Long duration human expedition missions during the past decade have been increasing in record number of days for both male and female explorers. However, for the past 40 years, all human expeditions have been limited to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and mostly to International Space Station (ISS). To further expand our understanding of long-term biological radiation risk; we need to greatly increase our knowledge of long-term radiation data and develop the required radiation risk mitigation strategies. Along with several spacecraft based deep-space radiation data, we plan to study and analyze radiation data from various space crafts, such as GOES, ACE, SOHO, and Voyager(s).
Overview and Rationale
- Advancement of radiation biology studies have several overarching benefits including the understanding of space radiation environment for long duration human exploration missions, as well as, applications in cancer treatment with space radiation like particles such as protons and heavy ions.
- Some of the radiation biology studies will have relevance to cancer risk exposures to radiation due to accidents or criminal intent, radiation oncology, and other biophysical sciences. Experimental and modeling studies are being conducted at national and international radiation facilities.
- Radiation Institute for Science and Engineering (RaISE), is expected to raise the capabilities and contributions of radiation research from Prairie View A&M University to the global recognition and broader scientific applications.