Radiation Effects
Astronaut Sunita Williams, Expedition 32, appears to touch the sun while working outside the ISS. Exposure to the sun's radiation is a major problem for those living and working in space.
Courtesy of NASA.
What are the radiation risks for space travel? Radiation exposures during space travel may kill cells, weaken the immune system, cause mutations and have other effects that can lead to cancer, cataracts, cardiovascular and central nervous system injuries and other disorders.
Current research projects cut across several program areas to determine 1) the risks associated with various types of radiation for the production of acute effects and the development of malignancies, and 2) whether it is possible to reduce these risks through pharmaceutical and nutritional interventions.
Learn about the latest research discoveries with Ann R. Kennedy, PhD, as she discusses the potential dangers and effects of radiation on space travelers, and ways in which the risks can be reduced.
Companion slide set to the video, "Radiation Effects,"
Funded by the following grant(s)
National Space Biomedical Research Institute
This work was supported by National Space Biomedical Research Institute through NASA cooperative agreement NCC 9-58.