The Mars Mission Data from Curiosity Rover Measuring Radiation Exposure

The Curiosity Mission to Mars has provided extremely valuable data on the levels of exposure to ionizing irradiation that would be sustained by astronauts on a mission to Mars, both during the cruise phases to and from Mars and also while on the Martian surface. The critical measurements of levels of X-rays, protons, galactic cosmic radiation (GCR), and the capability of GCR to generate neutrons were obtained by physical dosimeters. These data now provide information to allow scientists to measure the relative biological effect (translation of this physical data into risk estimates for physical changes in astronauts on a Mars landing mission). Valuable information has been collated and studied from robotic experiments (Curiosity Rover) on the Martian surface. These data have opened the field of investigation into the development of better shielding materials for the spacecraft and Martian habitat; the improved development of spacesuits; and the clear requirement for medical countermeasures for the astronauts. There will be potential dietary changes required, administration of novel biological materials, including drugs to counter radiation acute and cumulative side effects, and focus more research on the late effects of radiation. The consequences of irradiation exposure will be cumulative and sustained by what is planned to be an 800+ day of the first manned mission to Mars. The calculated 180-day cruise phase to and from Mars (360 days in a spaceship), and, in addition, a planned 500-day “residence” on the Martian surface, adds up to an estimated 860 days. The plan provides guidelines for managing radiation exposure levels and efforts to keep astronauts safe and return home. There will be a need to minimize deleterious late effects from that 860-day exposure to radiation outside the Earth.