NeurAstra
S02 → Altanube Pando
S06 → Nimbus.Archives
S07 → N400
S08 → AofAP
Bridging the Gap between Space Radiation & Space Exploration
COSMIC CONNECTIONS II
Unlike Earth, which benefits from the protective shield of its atmosphere and magnetic field, outer space is an environment filled with high-energy particles, such as galactic cosmic rays and solar particle events. These forms of space radiation represent one of the most significant hazards faced by space travellers and spacecraft, posing unique challenges for long-duration spaceflight. Understanding the nature of space radiation is critical to ensuring the safety of both human explorers and the technology that supports their missions.
Space radiation consists mainly of energetic particles, including protons, electrons, and atomic nuclei, which can penetrate spacecraft and human tissue, causing damage at both cellular and molecular levels. On Earth, we are largely protected from these harmful particles, but in space, astronauts are exposed to radiation levels far beyond those experienced on our planet. This increased exposure elevates the risk of cancer, cataracts, cardiovascular disease, and neurological effects, while also threatening electronic systems, potentially leading to mission-critical failures.
Protecting astronauts from radiation is a primary concern in space exploration. Space agencies, such as NASA and ESA, are actively researching strategies to mitigate these risks, ranging from advanced spacecraft shielding and habitat design to the development of biological countermeasures that reduce radiation-induced damage to the human body. As interest grows in lunar missions, human exploration of Mars, and deep-space travel, the need to advance our understanding of space radiation and its effects becomes ever more pressing. Research conducted aboard the International Space Station (ISS), alongside Earth-based radiation simulations, continues to provide valuable insights into how space radiation affects both living organisms and electronic systems.
Cosmic Connections:
“Bridging the Gap between Space Radiation & Space Exploration”
Programme
Date: 11.10.2024 (9:30 AM – 7:00 PM)
Venue: Menthon-Saint-Bernard, France
Speakers: J. Bonet Pons / C. Richard / D. Uusma
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM: Welcome Coffee
10:00 AM - 10:15 AM: Opening Remarks
- Welcome by the NeurAstra team
- Overview of the day’s schedule and themes
Session 1: The Origins and Impact of Space Radiation
10:15 AM - 11:00 AM: “Introduction to Space Radiation: Origins and Characteristics”
- What is space radiation?
- The differences between space radiation and Earth's radiation environment.
- How space radiation affects living organisms and electronic systems.
11:15 AM - 12:00 PM: “Space Radiation and Human Health: Risks and Long-Term Implications”
- DNA damage, cancer risk, neurocognitive effects, and cardiovascular concerns.
- Recent studies from the ISS and deep-space probes.
- Implications for long-term missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
12:00 PM - 12:15 PM: Coffee Break
Session 2: Innovations in Space Radiation Protection
12:15 PM - 1:00 PM: “Engineering Solutions to Mitigate Space Radiation Risks”
- Radiation shielding materials and advanced spacecraft design.
- Protective habitats and spacesuits.
1:00 PM - 1:30 PM: “The Future of Space Exploration: Radiation Protection on Mars and Beyond”
- Biological countermeasures under research.
- How space agencies and private companies are planning to address radiation protection for long-duration space missions.
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM: Lunch Break / Surprise for the attendees
Session 3: Building Radiation Protection for Moon Habitats
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM: WORKSHOP “Designing a Radiation Protection Shield for a Lunar Base”
- Interactive session to design future habitats on the Moon.
4:30 PM - 4:45 PM: Coffee Break
Session 4: Space Weather Forecasting and Radiation Monitoring
4:45 PM - 5:30 PM: “Space Weather Forecasting and Radiation Monitoring: Predicting and Managing Risks”
- Space Weather Monitoring: How solar activity and cosmic rays are tracked and predicted.
- Radiation Forecasting Systems: The tools and models space agencies use to predict radiation events and manage astronaut safety.
- Real-Time Monitoring: The role of sensors on spacecraft, rovers, and habitats to monitor radiation exposure levels in real time.
- Decision-Making: How radiation predictions influence mission planning, spacewalk timing, and emergency protocols for astronauts.
5:30 PM - 6:00 PM: “Future Directions and Collaborative Efforts in Space Radiation Protection”
- Key Takeaways
- Future Research and Innovation
- Closing Remarks.
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Reception
Further Readings:
- James S. Welsh — Space Radiation: Astrophysical Origins, Radiobiological Effects and Implications for Space Travellers
- National Academies Science Engineering Medicine — Managing Space Radiation Risk in the New Era of Space Exploration
- Erik Seedhouse — Life Support Systems for Humans in Space
- Erik Seedhouse — Space Radiation and Astronaut Safety
AFTER THE EVENT
Cosmic Connections
In Pictures
- COMING SOON -
We want to thank all the participants for attending this second edition of Cosmic Connections. It was an absolute pleasure to gather again among space enthusiasts from France and Switzerland in person and think together about the future of space exploration.
See you soon at the next Cosmic Connections!
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This project is related to the following NeurAstra System:
(S01) Blue Dot/White Tangerine