Rad-Bio-App: A discovery environment for biologists to explore spaceflight-related radiation exposures

This research paper provides valuable information about the radiation levels that astronauts and spacecraft might encounter during lunar missions, as well as on Earth's journey to Mars. The study measured how much radiation people would be exposed to in different scenarios like orbiting around the Moon or traveling through interplanetary space aboard a spaceship made of various materials such as plastic and silicon-based components. The findings show that astronauts on lunar missions could experience higher doses per day compared to when they're in low Earth orbit, mainly due to the Moon not having an atmosphere like our planet does which would normally shield us from space radiation. The research also highlighted how certain materials used for spaceship construction can affect exposure levels - with plastic showing a lower dose rate and silicon-based components demonstrating higher doses when exposed directly on Mars' surface, especially during transit periods where intense solar events could occur. These insights are crucial as they help us understand the potential health risks for astronauts traveling to other planets like Mars.

The research paper presents a comprehensive analysis of radiation doses encountered by astronauts during lunar and Martian missions, as well as the transit between Earth and these celestial bodies. The study employs various types of personal dosimeters to measure exposure levels in different environments: Apollo orbiters (AVG 0.43 mGy/day), CRaTER-2 lunar orbits over a decade, Lunar Orbit AVGs from specific years excluding high energy stochastic events, and Mars surface measurements for silicon particles using RAD detectors in different materials including plastic (RAD Si 7). Key findings indicate that the average dose rate experienced by Apollo astronauts was significantly lower than expected during lunar orbit. Dosimeter readings from CRaTER-2 missions revealed a consistent exposure level, with occasional high intensity stochastic events recorded in specific years (e.g., 2013). Mars surface measurements showed higher doses for silicon particles compared to the Moon's average dose rate during lunar orbit and transit phases between Earth and these destinations.