Space Radiation Protection Countermeasures in Microgravity and Planetary Exploration

Abstract

Background: Space radiation is one of the principal environmental factors limiting the human tolerance for space travel, and therefore a primary risk in need of mitigation strategies to enable crewed exploration of the solar system. Methods: We summarize the current state of knowledge regarding potential means to reduce the biological effects of space radiation. New countermeasure strategies for exploration-class missions are proposed, based on recent advances in nutrition, pharmacologic, and immune science. Results: Radiation protection can be categorized into (1) exposure-limiting: shielding and mission duration; (2) countermeasures: radioprotectors, radiomodulators, radiomitigators, and immune-modulation, and; (3) treatment and supportive care for the effects of radiation. Vehicle and mission design can augment the overall exposure. Testing in terrestrial laboratories and earth-based exposure facilities, as well as on the International Space Station (ISS), has demonstrated that dietary and pharmacologic countermeasures can be safe and effective. Immune system modulators are less robustly tested but show promise. Therapies for radiation prodromal syndrome may include pharmacologic agents; and autologous marrow for acute radiation syndrome (ARS). Conclusions: Current radiation protection technology is not yet optimized, but nevertheless offers substantial protection to crews based on Lunar or Mars design reference missions. With additional research and human testing, the space radiation risk can be further mitigated to allow for long-duration exploration of the solar system.

Long-Term Space Nutrition: A Scoping Review

“…There is an urgent need for the sustainable production of fresh food with distinctive, original flavors to increase appetite. During long-term space missions, enabling a self-sufficient lifestyle through the use of a nature-based regenerative life support system will help astronauts better adapt to the adverse conditions of the space environment [ 195 , 196 ]. This landscape-based approach to space habitat design helps engender a sense of place attachment from biophilia; that is, the human instinctual attachment to life-like features found in nature.…”

Extraterrestrial Gynecology: Could Spaceflight Increase the Risk of Developing Cancer in Female Astronauts? An Updated Review

“…Biological countermeasures could also be utilized to protect against the ill-effects of ISR-induced oxidative stress. In 2021, Montesinos et al discussed the role of these countermeasures, which will also be summarized here [164]. Several studies have found that dietary measure and supplementation is likely to have a protective effect in astronauts.…”

“…To date, the use of these agents thus far in controlled clinical scenarios, where radiation exposure can be controlled and quantitated, does not reflect the unpredictable radiation environment in space. Timing the administration of these agents would therefore be much harder in astronauts [164]. Immunomodulation-based agents include prospective DNA-and RNA-based anti-radiation vaccines in addition to anti-radiation antidotes.…”

“…Immunomodulation-based agents include prospective DNA-and RNA-based anti-radiation vaccines in addition to anti-radiation antidotes. These would work via a group of antibodies and natural inhibitory proteins that prevent inflammation, pathological apoptosis, and necrosis of radiation-exposed tissues [164].…”

To infinity and beyond: Strategies for fabricating medicines in outer space

“… Spaceflight hazard Clinical conditions Management strategies Possible medications References Space radiation Degenerative diseases (e.g. cardiovascular diseases and cataracts) Radiation shielding, radiation & health monitoring Antioxidants ⁎ ( Fang et al, 2002 ; Gómez et al, 2021 ) Cancer Radiation shielding, radiation & health monitoring Antioxidants ⁎ ( Gómez et al, 2021 ; Montesinos et al, 2021 ) Changes in the central nervous system Radiation shielding, radiation & health monitoring Antioxidants ⁎ ( Cucinotta et al, 2014 ; Gómez et al, 2021 ) Isolation and confinement Behavioural changes Gardening and journaling Antipsychotics (aripiprazole and ziprasidone), anxiolytics (diazepam and lorazepam) ( Friedman and Bui, 2017 ; Odeh and Guy, 2017 ) Sleep problems Light technologies, actigraphy Hypnotic drugs (zolpidem, zaleplon), melatonin ( Friedman and Bui, 2017 ; Zivi et al, 2020 ) Fatigue 10-min self-test of vigilance and attention ( Basner et al, 2011 ) Decline in mood Journaling, virtual reality sessions Antidepressants (sertraline and venlafaxine) ( Friedman and Bui, 2017 ; Lyons et al, 2020 ) Gravity fields Muscle atrophy Aerobic and resistive exercise, software-generated workout partners ( Feltz et al, 2016 ; Gao and Chilibeck, 2020 ) Bone loss Aerobic and resistive exercise, software-generated workout partners Bisphosphonate alendronate, supplements of calcium, vitamin D an...…”