Deliverables for Exploration and Earth Applications

The Radiation Effects Team works to define risks and develop practical countermeasures for the acute effects of space radiation. Projects are also developing systems to monitor radiation risk, exposure levels and warn of impending exposure. Team efforts often include partnerships with other NSBRI science and technology teams.

Anticipated deliverables include:

• Understanding the mechanisms and pathways of radiation effects on cells, tissues and complex biological systems;
• Defining health risks from acute radiation exposures such as solar particle events;
• Technologies for characterizing and monitoring the radiation environment and exposure;
• Radiation dosimeters that provide real-time assessment of risk and are small enough to fit in a spacesuit, tool box or lunar extravehicular activity backpack; and
• Medical countermeasures such as dietary supplements and drugs.

• Improved understanding of radiation-related cellular, molecular and tissue damage;
• Development and testing of drugs that, if proven successful in managing the effects of low-dose, highly-ionizing radiation, may lead to improved responses for patients undergoing radiation therapy;
• Characterization of radiation environments such as radiation therapy treatment fields, commercial flights, nuclear industry and national security threats; and
• Countermeasures for the adverse effects of radiation for people exposed to higher-than-normal levels of radiation, such as occupational exposures, airline crews, persons undergoing radiation therapy, and casualities from nuclear accidents or national security threats.