Radiation Danger in Manned Flight to Mars. Concept

Abstract

The concept of radiation safety, based on which the parameters of the radiation shielding for various schemes of a flight to Mars were calculated, is presented. The concept combines modern approaches to the regulation of radiation safety with experience in design investigations, performed by the present authors, in the field of radiation protection for cosmonauts. The general conceptual assumptions and assumptions with respect to separate aspects of the development of a radiation-safety system for a manned expedition to Mars are examined. Probabilistic approaches are absolutely necessary. Limitations on the mass of the material in the radiation shielding and taking account of other forms of the flight risk make it necessary to accept higher levels of irradiation for cosmonauts during a 1–2 yr flight than the levels established for people working with radiation sources under ground-based conditions over the same period of time. Acceptibility from the standpoint of the flight organizers and the cosmonauts is considered. In contrast to previous assessments made by the present authors, the protective role of equipment and structures in the manned module is taken into account.