Main description:

This volume of the series Springer Briefs in Space Life Sciences explains the physics and biology of radiation in space, defines various forms of cosmic radiation and their dosimetry, and presents a range of exposure scenarios. It also discusses the effects of radiation on human health and describes the molecular mechanisms of heavy charged particles' deleterious effects in the body. Lastly, it discusses countermeasures and addresses the vital question: Are we ready for launch?

Written for researchers in the space life sciences and space biomedicine, and for master's students in biology, physics, and medicine, the book will also benefit all non-experts endeavouring to understand and enter space.

Contents:

General Introduction: Small Particles, Large Effects (Berger, Baumstark, Hellweg, Matthia)
Radiation in Space - The Physics

The Radiation Field in Space (Matthia, Berger)

i. Galactic cosmic rays

ii. Solar radiation

iii. Trapped radiation

iv. Dose quantities

The History of Space Radiation Dosimetry (Berger)

i. From Mercury to MIR

ii. Human Phantom Experiments

Exposure Scenarios: Measuring and Modeling of Space Radiation (Berger, Matthia)

i. LEO

ii. Interplanetary Space

iii. Moon

iv. Mars

Radiation in Space - The Biology

Acute Radiation Effects (Baumstark, Hellweg)

Chronic and Late Radiation Effects (Baumstark, Hellweg)

Radiation Risk Assessment (Baumstark, Hellweg)

Molecular Mechanisms of Heavy Charged Particles Effects (Baumstark, Hellweg)

Nutritional and Pharmaceutical Countermeasures (Baumstark, Hellweg)

Challenges for Exploratory Missions (Berger, Baumstark, Hellweg, Matthia)

Dosimetry and Shielding: Are we Ready for Launch?

Open Questions in Risk Assessment: Can we Tame the Radiation Risk?

Countermeasures: Do we Know Enough?