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Acute Risks of Space Radiation

Definition

The space radiation environment consists of highly charged and energetic particles that include high-energy protons released from the sun during solar particle events (SPEs). SPEs that are above 25–30 mega-electron volts (MeV) can penetrate the shielding on the International Space Station (ISS) and present a major challenge for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). During long-term deep space missions, it is anticipated that multiple SPEs will be encountered. Such exposures are a significant radiation hazard to astronauts and spacecraft. Indeed, exposure to SPEs may place astronauts at risk for acute radiation sickness (ARS), prodromal effects, skin damage, hematological/immune deficits, and changes in other body compartments. The timing of symptom onset varies with radiation dose, dose rate, quality, and individual sensitivity.

Overview of ARS Following Acute Exposure Due to SPEs

During an SPE, the sun releases a large amount of energetic particles....

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Biomedical Engineering Sciences (BMES), Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA

    Xiao W. Mao, Michael J. Pecaut & Daila S. Gridley

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  1. Xiao W. Mao
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  2. Michael J. Pecaut
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  3. Daila S. Gridley
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Correspondence to Xiao W. Mao .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Room 37-219, Massachusetts Institute of Technolo Room 37-219, CAMBRIDGE, MA, USA

    Laurence R. Young

  2. Center for Space Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine Center for Space Medicine, HOUSTON, TX, USA

    Jeffrey P. Sutton

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  1. Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA

    Kathryn D. Held

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Mao, X.W., Pecaut, M.J., Gridley, D.S. (2019). Acute Risks of Space Radiation. In: Young, L., Sutton, J. (eds) Encyclopedia of Bioastronautics. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-10152-1_27-1

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    Acute Risks of Space Radiation
    Published:
    24 October 2020

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-10152-1_27-2

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    Acute Risks of Space Radiation
    Published:
    24 October 2018

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-10152-1_27-1

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