Detection and Evaluation of Space Radiations

In the very near future man will escape from his terrestrial environment and venture into space. The first flights will be limited space voyages circling the earth only one or sereral times at altitudes from 100 to 500 miles. As technological advances permit, these space journeys will become longer in duration and farther from earth until travel between planets in our solar system is accomplished. Ultimately of course, travel outside our solar system is envisioned. The hazards of space flight are numerous. An environment paralleling that of the earth's must be simulated as closely as possible inside the space capsule. In providing such an environment, those problems of air regeneration, temperature control, pressure control, etc., are overcome. One potential hazard from which man in space cannot be effectively protected is radiation. Therefore, the intensity of space radiations and their biological effects must be evaluated prior to prolonged space journeys if such journeys are to be accomplished without undue risk. The aeromedical field laboratory is now studying a space radiation detection system which would be capable of detecting and identifying the several forms of space radiation and the intensity of each form. Once the types and intensities of radiation prevalent in space are ascertained, it will be possible to study, in earth laboratories, the biological effects of most of these radiations.