Cosmic radiation can be dangerous, particularly for astronauts and people who frequently fly at high altitudes, such as pilots. Prolonged exposure to high levels of cosmic radiation can increase the risk of cancer and other health problems. However, the risk to the general population is relatively low, as most people are not exposed to high levels of cosmic radiation on a regular basis.
NASA and researchers at the University of British Columbia sent yeast and algae samples to space on the Artemis 1 lunar mission to study how they fared in cosmic radiation. The goal is to find ways to protect astronauts from the harmful rays, according to CBC.ca.
Yeast and algae have about 70% of the same genes as humans, and scientists hope to use the information gathered from the samples to create a drug that would protect people going to space by delivering extra RAD51 mRNA. This research also has potential applications in radiation treatment for cancer patients.
Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield, who was a commander at the International Space Station (ISS), explained the importance of finding a way to overcome cosmic radiation:
If we want to live somewhere else … we need to somehow come up with a way to protect ourselves from the natural radiation that exists everywhere else in the universe.
NASA’s plans for building a settlement on the Moon are part of the Artemis program, which aims to land the first woman and the next man on the lunar surface by 2025 and establish a sustained human presence on and around the Moon by the end of the decade. The program is focused on several key objectives, including conducting scientific research, developing new technologies, and preparing for future missions to Mars.
The goal is to establish a sustainable presence on the Moon, which will allow NASA to test new technologies, conduct scientific experiments, and gain a better understanding of the lunar environment and its resources. Additionally, it will also help prepare for future manned missions to Mars and other deep space destinations.
