Strategies for Radioprotection of Astronauts

Given the increased exposure to cosmic irradiation from locations above the Earth’s surface, much data on radiation levels have been accumulated from studies of airline pilots and passengers over the past decades, as well as, the more recent information on exposure outside the Earth’s atmosphere by astronauts in the space shuttle missions, International Space Station, and Lunar, Apollo Missions. The available evidence indicates that these forms of radiation cause accelerated aging, as well as, increased risks of specific forms of cancer, neurocognitive, and the onset of other pathologic conditions associated with aging. The development of radiation countermeasures for space travel must take into account the protracted low-level irradiation that will be experienced by astronauts, who will be outside the protective magnetosphere of the Earth for periods of months to years. Furthermore, the inflammatory responses and also genetic changes that follow continuous low-level radiation exposure are primary concerns for developing radiation countermeasures for space travel.