Exploring space is an exciting and rewarding endeavor, but it also comes with a number of risks. Cosmic radiation, fragments of atoms charged with energy from the Sun, and supernovae outside our galaxy can cause astronaut anxiety, depression and decision-making problems. Space engineers must design adequate radiation shielding for manned interplanetary spacecraft and will need accurate predictions of radiation damage to the body to ensure that risks remain within acceptable limits. Countermeasures, such as various forms of exercise in space, have been developed to prevent these effects from causing health problems later on Earth.
In addition to the well-known dangers of freezing temperatures in space and overwhelming pressures, astronauts in isolation also face the risk of radiation, which can cause diseases or damage organs. For example, under normal gravity, a person with low bone mass is at greater risk of fracturing a bone during normal strenuous activity. And if fumigatus lives well in space, the researchers write, so could many other, more lethal pathogens. But how intense are the dangers of actually traveling through space? Here are five of the most dangerous risks astronauts will face when they travel to Mars and beyond.
1.Radiation Exposure
Radiation exposure is one of the most serious risks associated with space exploration.
Astronauts are exposed to high levels of cosmic radiation during their missions, which can cause long-term health problems such as cancer and organ damage. To protect astronauts from radiation exposure, mission control technicians work with astronauts to ensure that missions go smoothly and without errors. In addition, NASA and Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) established a NASA-funded facility at BNL, NASA's Space Radiation Laboratory (NSRL), to produce HZE cores that mimic radiation in space.
2.Isolation
Astronauts will have to get along in small spaces like this for years on their way to another planet. This can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, which can have a negative impact on mental health.
To combat this, astronauts are trained in psychological techniques to help them cope with the stress of long-term isolation.
3.Technical Malfunctions
Technical malfunctions are another risk associated with space exploration. From the forced landing of the first crewed Soyuz spacecraft in 1967 to the disintegration of the orbiting shuttle Columbia in 2003, 18 people died during space flights. To reduce the risk of technical malfunctions, mission control technicians work with astronauts to ensure that missions go smoothly and without errors.
4.Physical Health Risks
Space exploration also poses physical health risks due to microgravity and other environmental factors. Astronauts may experience muscle atrophy due to lack of gravity, as well as vision problems due to changes in pressure and fluid shifts in their bodies.
To combat these effects, astronauts are trained in physical exercises designed to maintain muscle strength and prevent vision problems.
5.Cost
Finally, space exploration is expensive. Since the beginning of manned spaceflight, some have argued that the benefits of sending humans into space justify neither the risks nor the costs. However, many argue that astronauts are excellent role models for young people and act as indirect representatives of many who would like to fly in space on their own.
