Research Proposes Biological Solutions to Cosmic Radiation Risks for Space Missions
Recent research by Zahida Sultanova and Saleh Sultansoy, titled "Beyond Earthly Limits: Protection against Cosmic Radiation through Biological Response Pathways," addresses the significant safety concerns posed by cosmic radiation for astronauts and other living organisms during space exploration. The study highlights the dangers of Galactic Cosmic Rays and Solar Particle Events, which can adversely affect health during missions to Mars and beyond.
The authors note that while much of the current research has focused on understanding the biological impacts of cosmic radiation, there is a pressing need to explore protective measures. They propose that biological response pathways, which help organisms cope with stressors on Earth, could offer effective solutions against the stress caused by cosmic radiation.
Additionally, the paper suggests the establishment of a Dedicated International Accelerator Laboratory for Space Travel related radiation research (DIAL-ST). This facility would focus on evaluating protective biological pathways through experiments that simulate cosmic radiation using particle accelerators.
The findings from this research could have significant implications for future space missions, enhancing the safety and health of astronauts as they venture into deep space. The study was submitted to arXiv on May 20, 2024, and is available for further review at arXiv:2405.12151.