Washington, Oct 14 (PTI) NASA is developing technologiesto counter space radiation - one of the biggest challengesfor human journey to Mars - to ensure a safe and successfulexploration of the red planet.
"Some people think that radiation will keep NASA fromsending people to Mars, but that is not the currentsituation," said Pat Troutman, NASA Human ExplorationStrategic Analysis Lead.
"When we add the various mitigation techniques up, we areoptimistic it will lead to a successful Mars mission with ahealthy crew that will live a very long and productive lifeafter they return to Earth," said Troutman.
Space radiation is quite different and more dangerousthan radiation on Earth, NASA said.
Even though the International Space Station (ISS) sitsjust within Earth's protective magnetic field, astronautsreceive over ten times the radiation than what is naturallyoccurring on Earth, the US space agency said.
Outside the magnetic field there are galactic cosmic rays(GCRs), solar particle events (SPEs) and the Van Allen Belts,which contain trapped space radiation.
NASA is able to protect the crew from SPEs by advisingthem to shelter in an area with additional shieldingmaterials.
However, GCRs are much more challenging to protectagainst. These highly energetic particles come from all overthe galaxy.
They are so energetic they can tear right through metals,plastic, water and cellular material.
"One of the most challenging parts for the human journeyto Mars is the risk of radiation exposure and the inflightand long-term health consequences of the exposure," said LisaSimonsen, NASA Space Radiation Element Scientist.
"This ionising radiation travels through living tissues,depositing energy that causes structural damage to DNA andalters many cellular processes," said Simonsen.
NASA is evaluating various materials and concepts toshield the crew from GCRs.
Researchers are developing and evaluating shieldingconcepts for transport vehicles, habitats and space suitswith state of the art models.
Scientists are investigating pharmaceutical counter-measures, which may be more effective than shielding toprotect crews from GCRs, NASA said.
Engineers are developing enhanced space weatherforecasting tools and studying faster rockets to reduce thetime spent in space and exposure to radiation, according tothe US space agency.
NASA's Advanced Exploration Systems Division is alsodeveloping various space radiation detection and mitigationtechnologies.
"Mars is the best option we have right now for expandinglong-term, human presence," Troutman said.
"We have already found valuable resources for sustaininghumans, such as water ice just below the surface and pastgeological and climate evidence that Mars at one time hadconditions suitable for life.
"What we learn about Mars will tell us more about Earth'spast and future and may help answer whether life existsbeyond our planet," said Troutman. PTI SARSAR.
This is unedited, unformatted feed from the Press Trust of India wire.