As we venture deeper into the cosmos, understanding the effects of space radiation and electromagnetic fields (EMFs) becomes increasingly crucial. This is particularly true for astronauts, whose health and safety are paramount for successful missions. However, the implications extend beyond astronauts to the design and operation of spacecraft, making this an up-and-coming topic that warrants our attention and caution.
Space radiation, unlike the types of radiation we encounter on Earth, is more intense and comes from different sources such as solar cosmic rays and galactic cosmic rays. This radiation can pose significant health risks to astronauts, including increased risk of cancer, damage to the central nervous system, and degenerative diseases. The European Space Agency (ESA) has highlighted the importance of understanding the complex set of phenomena involving the Sun and Earth that contribute to space environment conditions.
If you’re interested in learning more about how to measure and control your exposure, read about EMF meters here.
NASA, in its quest to protect astronauts from space radiation, is developing technologies and countermeasures to mitigate these risks. These include spacecraft shielding strategies, accurate risk prediction models, and pharmaceutical countermeasures. However, the challenge lies in the fact that space radiation is much different from the types of radiation we are used to dealing with on Earth. It is more damaging to human tissue and more difficult to shield against.
Electromagnetic fields, on the other hand, are a vital part of the functioning of spacecraft.
Electrical currents induced by EMFs ensure the desired reception and transmission of signals. However, these currents can also cause interference and degrade spacecraft performance. For instance, running a high voltage system through the plasma environment of low-Earth orbit can promote a gradual buildup of charged plasmas on satellite surfaces, threatening dangerous electrostatic discharge – the space equivalent of a lightning strike.
If you’re interested in learning about the factors that can affect your EMF exposure, read more here. Even though you are exposed to EMF radiation through environmental factors, there are different types of radiation – read about the spectrum of EMFs here.
Moreover, the interaction of EMFs with the natural space environment is a critical area of study. For instance, radiation from the Earth’s radiation belts, explosive events on the Sun, and galactic cosmic rays can damage electronic components. Plasmas can give rise to high levels of electrostatic charge on a spacecraft’s surfaces, leading to electrostatic discharge. These factors threaten not just the performance but the survivability of the satellite.
Understanding how the natural environment interacts with electromagnetic waves can give hints on ways to improve the performance of radio links or on the type of information that can be retrieved through remote sensing. This understanding is crucial for the design and operation of spacecraft, as well as for the safety of astronauts.
Exposure to EMF radiation in the long term can expose you to a variety of risks such as and can potentially cause EHS (electromagnetic sensitivity), a disease affecting more people each year. Read more here. It can also put people with lyme disease at a higher risk – read more here.
Therefore – as we continue to explore the cosmos, understanding the effects of space radiation and EMFs is of paramount importance. This emerging frontier presents both challenges and opportunities. By staying informed and cautious, we can ensure the safety of our astronauts and the success of our space missions, while also opening up new possibilities for exploration and discovery.
