Chapter 13 - Effects of space radiation on the endovasculature: implications for future human deep space exploration

Abstract

Space programs with human planetary exploration involve potential health risks to the flight crew that might have severe implications in the success of their missions. During such missions outside the Earth’s magnetic field, astronauts are exposed to two sources of cosmic radiation: solar particle events (SPE) and galactic cosmic rays (GCR), which pose a significant health risk. Among the affected tissues is the vascular network; indeed astronauts have been found to be at significant risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD), indicating that space-relevant irradiation induces a sustained vascular endothelial cell dysfunction. While avoidance of radiation is the best protective strategy, current technologies do not fully protect space travelers. Therefore radiation-induced effects to the vasculature need to be understood so that the risks faced by astronauts can be assessed and countermeasures against adverse biological effects of space radiation designed, for the success of long-term space missions. This chapter will highlight the effects of space radiation on vascular endothelial cells and radiological countermeasures that can abrogate these effects for astronauts.