The Effects of Electromagnetic Radiation and Shielding on Health in Near Space Environments Philip Sugimoto Engr 302 5/9/01
Overview n Earth’s protection. n Radiation in “Near Space”. n Shielding Schemes. n Materials. n Conclusion.
Earth’s Protection n Van Allen Radiation Belts. n Ionosphere acts as a shield. n Equivalent of 10 tons/meter squared.
Radiation in “Near Space” n Electromagnetic (x-ray and gamma ray). n Energized Particles (proton and electron). n Hot Matter. n Cosmic Radiation.
Shielding Schemes n Active Shielding. n Passive Shielding. –Rotating Station, Rotating Mass. –Rotating Station, Stationary Mass. –Stationary Station, Stationary Mass. n Lunar Shielding.
Active Shielding
Materials and Construction n Electrical interference. n Surface Degradation. n New Materials.
Conclusion n Human Health and Long-Term Residence in “Near Space”. –Expensive but possible. n Societal, Political and Economics. –Will eventually occur due to push from one of these areas and the others will follow.
View From Space
International Space Station
The Future???