Space radiation measurements during the Artemis I lunar mission.

Space radiation is a notable hazard for long-duration human spaceflight. Associated risks include cancer, cataracts, degenerative diseases and tissue reactions from large, acute exposures. Space radiation originates from diverse sources, including galactic cosmic rays, trapped-particle (Van Allen) belts and solar-particle events.

Active radiation measurements over one solar cycle with two DOSTEL instruments in the Columbus laboratory of the International Space Station.

Two DOSimetry TELescopes (DOSTELs) have been measuring the radiation environment in the Columbus module of the International Space Station (ISS) since 2009 in the frame of the DOSIS and DOSIS 3D projects. Both instruments have measured the charged particle flux rate and dose rates in a telescope geometry of two planar silicon detectors. The radiation environment in the ISS orbit is mostly composed by galactic cosmic radiation (GCR) and its secondary radiation and protons from the inner radiation belt in the South Atlantic Anomaly (SAA) with sporadic contributions of solar energetic particles at high latitudes.

Experimental Analysis of Radiation Protection Offered by a Novel Exoskeleton-Based Radiation Protection System versus Conventional Lead Aprons.

Purpose: To evaluate the radiation protection offered by an exoskeleton-based radiation protection system (Stemrad MD) and to compare it with that offered by conventional lead aprons.

Methods: The experimental setup involved 2 anthropomorphic phantoms, an operator, a patient, and a C-arm as the x-ray radiation source. Thermoluminescent detectors were used to measure radiation doses to different radiosensitive body parts on the operator phantom both with the exoskeleton and a conventional lead apron at the left radial and right femoral positions.

Questioning the radiation limits of life: Ignicoccus hospitalis between replication and VBNC.

Radiation of ionizing or non-ionizing nature has harmful effects on cellular components like DNA as radiation can compromise its proper integrity. To cope with damages caused by external stimuli including radiation, within living cells, several fast and efficient repair mechanisms have evolved. Previous studies addressing organismic radiation tolerance have shown that radiotolerance is a predominant property among extremophilic microorganisms including (hyper-) thermophilic archaea.

Photochemistry on the Space Station-Aptamer Resistance to Space Conditions: Particles Exposure from Irradiation Facilities and Real Exposure Outside the International Space Station.

Some microarray-based instruments that use bioaffinity receptors such as antibodies or aptamers are under development to detect signatures of past or present life on planetary bodies. Studying the resistance of such instruments against space constraints and cosmic rays in particular is a prerequisite. We used several ground-based facilities to study the resistance of aptamers to various types of particles (protons, electrons, neutrons, and carbon ions) at different energies and fluences.

Photochemistry on the Space Station-Antibody Resistance to Space Conditions after Exposure Outside the International Space Station.

Antibody-based analytical instruments are under development to detect signatures of life on planetary bodies. Antibodies are molecular recognition reagents able to detect their target at sub-nanomolar concentrations, with high affinity and specificity. Studying antibody binding performances under space conditions is mandatory to convince space agencies of the adequacy of this promising tool for planetary exploration.

Space experiment "Cellular Responses to Radiation in Space (CellRad)": Hardware and biological system tests.

One factor contributing to the high uncertainty in radiation risk assessment for long-term space missions is the insufficient knowledge about possible interactions of radiation with other spaceflight environmental factors. Such factors, e.g.