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 | Radiation Effects |
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Team Highlights
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The microdosimeter instrument consists of small sensors connected to an electronics board, shown here without the casing. Spacesuits integrated with this technology can warn astronauts at the onset of an elevated exposure event, assess risk, and help crews determine safe locations during these periods. |
Deliverables for Exploration and Earth Applications
The Radiation Effects Team works to identify practical countermeasures for the adverse effects of
space radiation. 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;
- 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;
- Biological countermeasures such as dietary supplements and drugs; and
- Methods to block and counter programmed cell death to prevent lymphoid loss and/or dysfunction during radiation exposure.
The Team's work has the following Earth benefits:
- 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; and
- Countermeasures for the adverse effects of radiation for people exposed to higher-than-normal levels of radiation, such as occupational exposures, airline crews and persons undergoing interventional radiology as a medical procedure.