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Modeling human performance degradation from radiation exposure and physiological responses to spaceflight during long duration missions
Completed
TRL 3 (started at 2, targeting 3)
Description
As the focus of space exploration continues to shift in favor of sending humans on missions beyond Low Earth Orbit (LEO), it becomes increasingly important to address several concerns regarding the space radiation environment. In particular, radiation poses a high risk of damage to astronaut health, which can have negative impacts on long-duration missions. It is also difficult to determine the risk of damage from radiation due to lack of sufficient data; not many humans have actually been beyond LEO so the effects are less well characterized. In their Technology Roadmaps, NASA has identified a need for a tool that reduces the risk uncertainty in radiation mortality models as well as in performance degradation models. In addition, there is a need to look at radiation degradation in the context of other spaceflight stressors, such as microgravity. This doctoral research project proposes to create a framework and subsequent model that evaluates mortality risk and performance degradation of crew members as a result of radiation and other spaceflight stressors.
Benefits
This doctoral research project proposes to create a framework and subsequent model that evaluates mortality risk and performance degradation of crew members as a result of radiation and other spaceflight stressors. This could benefit future human space flight missions
Details
| Technology area | Human Health, Life Support, and Habitation Systems > Radiation > Radiation Transport and Risk Modeling |
| Program | Space Technology Research Grants (STRG) |
| Lead organization | University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO |
| Start date | 2018-08-01 |
| End date | 2022-12-31 |
Project contacts
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How to get involved
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.
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