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Dosimetry in the space radiation field
G Reitz1, R Beaujean, N Heckeley
1Abteilung Strahlenbiologie, DLR-Institut für Flugmedizin, Köln.
The Clinical Investigator
|September 1, 1993
Summary
Astronauts experienced a radiation dose of 3.9 mSv during spaceflight on the Russian space station MIR. This space radiation exposure increased chromosomal aberrations in lymphocytes, indicating a biological radiation burden.
Area of Science:
- Space science and radiation biology.
- Dosimetric measurements and biological dosimetry.
Background:
- Space station MIR missions involved German experiment packages.
- Previous dosimetric data exist from US Spacelab and German Spacelab missions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present dosimetric measurements from the Russian space station MIR.
- To compare these results with previous space missions.
- To assess the biological radiation burden on astronauts.
Main Methods:
- Utilized detector packages including plastic nuclear track detectors, nuclear emulsions, and thermoluminescence dosimeters.
- Exposed detectors in various sections of the space station.
- Analyzed chromosomal aberrations (dicentric chromosomes) in astronaut lymphocytes before and after flight.
Main Results:
- Calculated an equivalent dose of 3.9 mSv for astronauts.
- Observed an elevation in dicentric chromosomes in peripheral lymphocytes post-flight.
- Confirmed a biological response to space radiation exposure.
Conclusions:
- The study quantifies the radiation dose received by astronauts on MIR.
- Biological dosimetry confirms the radiation burden indicated by physical measurements.
- Findings contribute to understanding space radiation effects on human health.