СОВРЕМЕННЫЕ ДОСТИЖЕНИЯ И АКТУАЛЬНЫЕ ЗАДАЧИ КОСМИЧЕСКОЙ РАДИОБИОЛОГИИ

Abstract

Purpose: Analytical review of space radiobiology current state and promising areas, revision of space radiobiology crucial tasks were the research objectives. Material and methods: Data from a chronic experiment on 700 mature male rats (radiation doses of 10-100 sGr), clinical and physiological data of irradiated pilots-liquidators of the Chernobyl accident consequences (more than 1000 people) and numerous radiation neurophysiological experiments, including with heavy charged particles (HCP) were used methodologically as new experimental patterns. The methods are presented in 3 monographs and 19 journal articles. Results: The main barrier to further human penetration into space is cosmic radiation from various sources: galactic and solar cosmic rays. Complex radiation “cocktails” in space are dangerous, taking into account secondary neutrons and gamma-irradiation. Modeling it on Earth is extremely difficult. The structure of modern space radiobiology includes: radiation situation in near and far space; features of dosimetry in space and the possibility of using various phantoms; multilevel effects of human radiation exposure in space; small doses and the brain; the role of combined effects; elaboration of new approaches for extrapolation on human experimental data obtained on animals; rationing of radiation effects in space, taking into account the numerous non-radiation risks in flight; development of means to increase radioresistance and biomedical protection. New concept of human radiation safety in orbital flights should take into account all the likely immediate and long-term consequences of human radiation exposure in space. It is necessary to verify possible brain disorders from HCP, taking into account combined effect of other flight factors, including the hypomagnetic environment, and to assess the risk of imminent radiation threats, in particular on the Moon or Mars. Modern science is not yet able to predict solar proton events well, knowledge about the spectra of cosmic radiation and methods for calculating doses during the passage of various types of radiation through matter is limited. The new concept of protection can be called “the concept of choosing a lesser amount of evil”. The principle of ALARA is not canceled, but is put on the verge of possible compliance. In the on-board first aid kit, it is necessary to have means that will be a kind of modern “sum of radiobiology” at the time of flight, using the entire arsenal of countermeasures – radioprotectors, radiomitigators, radio-modulators, hibernation, artificial magnetic field, etc. The crew should be selected from the most radio-resistant astronauts (according to geno- and phenotypic criteria). Conclusion: Modern space radiobiology is at a critical stage of finding new ways of development and obtaining breakthrough results.