1. 1. Conditions in the Solar System
Would Radiation Deter Space Exploration Nicholas Sion Intercan Technologies 140 Erskine Ave. suite 1702, Toronto. ON. Canada
1. Conditions in the Solar System
What we can explore
Nearby Planets, our Moon, and moons of other planets, perhaps asteroids.
More likely planet Mars in the near future.
Effective Doses and % Risk of Death From Fatal Cancer
Exploration Mission
Absorbed Dose Gy
Effective Dose Sv
Fatal Risk %
95% CI
MALES [40 years]
Lunar (180 days)
0.06
0.17
0.68
0.20, 2.4
Mars Swing-by (600 days)
0.37
1.03
4.0
1.0, 13.5
Mars Exploration (1000 days)
0.42
1.07
4.2
1.3, 13.6
FEMALES [40 years]
0.82
0.24, 3.0
4.9
1.4, 16.2
5.1
1.6, 16.4
Lancet Oncology May
3- The Hazards
Risk
Radiation
On route to Mars mSv/d
On Mars surface mSv/d
On the Moon mSv/d
Within ISS – mSv/d
On Earth µSv/d +
Bone Loss %/Month
Lumbar Spine
1.1
Femur Neck
1.2
Trochanter
1.6
Pelvis
1.4
Legs
0.3
Whole Body
0.4
Calcium Changes mg/day
Spaceflight
-250
Post-flight
100
Source: Helen W. Lane NASA, Johnston Space Centre
Psychological Effects
Explorers housed in separate rooms + common area + full amenities
Microgravity
produces +
MIT BioSuit™ , heat shrunk to body, with tiny memory coils for pressurisation
Z1 & Z2 body hugging Spacesuits for Mars
Nano Matrix of Boron &
Nitrogen Tubes
RXF1 Shielding
4- Countermeasures
New shielding Materials
ORION
5 - Faster propulsion
VASIMR ion thruster
The Nautilus-X for long term exploration
Orion module for 4 astronauts for 6m to Mars perhaps
6- Conclusions
Radiation: still the major concern, feasible on short visits, under 6 months, but not for long duration settlement on the Moon or planets.
Propulsion systems to reduce travel time yet to be developed.
Enhancing the immune system is still illusive and is futuristic.
Next? InSight Explorer
New S Launch Date
May 2018