Risks due to X-ray Flares during Astronaut Extravehicular Activity

Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

8 pages, 2 figures; to be published in Space Weather

Scientific paper

10.1029/2006SW000300

Solar hard X-ray flares can expose astronauts on lunar and deep space extravehicular activities (EVAs) to dangerous acute biological doses. We combine calculations of radiative transfer through shielding materials with subsequent transfer through tissue to show that hazardous doses, taken as >= 0.1 Gy, should occur with a probability of about 10% per 100 hours of accumulated EVA inside current spacesuits. The rapid onset and short duration of X-ray flares and the lack of viable precursor events require strategies for quick retreat, in contrast to solar proton events, which usually take hours to deliver significant fluence and can often be anticipated by flares or other light-speed precursors. Our results contrast with the view that only particle radiation poses dangers for human space exploration. Heavy-element shields provide the most efficient protection from X-ray flares, since X-rays produce no significant secondary radiation. We calculate doses due to X-ray flares behind aluminum shields and estimate the required shield masses to accompany EVA rovers.

No associations

LandOfFree

Say what you really think

Search LandOfFree.com for scientists and scientific papers. Rate them and share your experience with other people.

Rating

Risks due to X-ray Flares during Astronaut Extravehicular Activity does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Risks due to X-ray Flares during Astronaut Extravehicular Activity, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Risks due to X-ray Flares during Astronaut Extravehicular Activity will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-642044

  Search
All data on this website is collected from public sources. Our data reflects the most accurate information available at the time of publication.