Lunar Exploration and Lessons Learned

The Apollo Mission, has led to valuable information regarding the future of space travel and the importance of shielding against radiation. The research to date has been focused on reduced gravity on the lunar surface, the requirement for a continuous supply of oxygen, and the management of the physiological changes associated with these environmental changes. Concern for increased levels of radiation exposure during space travel and on the lunar surface is now an additional focus. Preparation for the next series of manned lunar surface missions is now taking into account the requirements for radiation shielding. Shielding will focus on X-rays and solar proton exposure. However, there are new concerns, which include exposure to levels of galactic cosmic radiation (GCR) from high linear energy transfer (LET) ions, and the newest concern of neutrons, which are generated by the interaction of these GCR-charged particles with materials in the spacecraft, lunar habitat, and even the space suits that will be worn by astronauts. The generation of neutrons presents a clear threat to astronauts’ health. All forms of ionizing irradiation and the resultant DNA damage must now be taken into consideration during the planning for lunar sortie missions. The lunar sorties will involve the exposure of teams of astronauts to continuous levels of radiation both during the time on the lunar surface and during travel to and from the moon.