Space radiation biology

Abstract

In this lesson, the interaction of charged particles of space radiation with organisms will be explained on molecular, cellular, tissue, organ and organismal level. First, an overview of possible health effects caused by space radiation will be given considering the radiation exposure during different space missions: cancer, lens opacification (cataract), light flashes, degenerative diseases of various organ systems and acute radiation syndrome. Diving to the molecular level with DNA damage, the specifics of heavy ion-induced DNA damage and sequelae of mis- or unrepaired DNA damage leading to the cancer risk induced by radiation exposure during space missions will be explained in context of the cellular DNA damage response. For other possible late effects of space radiation exposure, cataract and degeneration of the central nervous system, possible mechanisms will be discussed. As acute radiation exposure during a solar particle event and accumulation of high doses could occur in situations of insufficient shielding in deep space, pathogenesis of the acute radiation syndrome will be covered. The countermeasure section of the lecture encompasses basics of radiation protection and radiation risk management including shielding and radiation monitoring and the current stage of prophylactic (focus on cancer prophylaxis) and therapeutic treatment. Requirements of biological experiments at heavy ion accelerators and on spaceflight platforms to answer important open questions in space radiation biology before departing on a long-term interplanetary mission conclude the lecture.