NASA astronauts Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams are set for an unexpected extension of their stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS) due to delays with Boeing's Starliner spacecraft. Originally scheduled to return after one week, their mission has now been extended to February 2025, raising concerns about increased exposure to space radiation.
Space radiation differs significantly from terrestrial radiation, comprising three primary types: particles trapped in Earth's magnetic field, solar flare particles, and galactic cosmic rays. These charged particles can pose health risks to astronauts, including potential cellular damage and increased cancer risk.
During their extended mission, astronauts on the ISS will encounter radiation levels higher than those experienced on Earth. According to NASA, astronauts typically absorb between 80 mSv and 160 mSv of radiation over a six-month period, significantly more than the average person, who is exposed to about 2 to 3 mSv of natural background radiation in the same timeframe.
Dr. Stanton Gerson from Case Western Reserve University noted that while the ISS is partially shielded by Earth's magnetosphere, astronauts still face risks from trapped radiation zones during their orbits. Prolonged exposure to elevated radiation levels could increase the likelihood of developing cancer and other degenerative diseases.
NASA emphasizes the importance of monitoring astronauts' health, especially after extended missions, to understand the long-term effects of space radiation. As the agency continues to advance its research, the safety of astronauts remains a priority.