Online training course | Radiation protection research for space applications
Overview
With space exploration ambitions reaching unprecedented heights, agencies around the globe are working tirelessly to prepare astronauts for missions beyond Earth's atmosphere. Future endeavors, such as establishing a permanent lunar base or embarking on manned missions to Mars, will require extended human presence in space — a challenging environment where exposure to ionizing radiation far exceeds terrestrial levels.
This training course delves into the critical aspects of radiation protection for space travel, exploring the unique spectrum of space radiation, its impacts on human health and materials, and strategies for protecting astronauts and spacecraft from radiation damage.
Students will gain a solid understanding of the space radiation environment, its measurement, its biological effects, and potential mitigation strategies.
Audience
This training course is targeted towards students on Master or PhD level, early-stage researchers and professionals from a diverse range of educational and professional backgrounds (biomedical scientists, (health) physicists, (bio-)engineers, …), with an interest in the diverse challenges associated with radiation protection in human space exploration.
The training course also gives the opportunity to network with experts in space research and representatives of institutes and companies dealing with space applications.
Preparation
Participants are requested to send in an application file (1 pdf file) containing following items:
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Contact details;
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Brief motivation to attend the course (max. 200 words);
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Scientific CV with current position and field of research.
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this Radiation protection research for space applications course, participants will have knowledge on the radiation protection aspects related with (future) human space exploration.
After completion of the course, learners will be able to:
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Give the types of ionising radiation in space;
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Rank space mission scenarios according to expected doses obtained;
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Understanding the meaning of the various dosimetry units;
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Knowing the different measuring methods and corresponding equipment for different types of measurements (ambient dosimetry, personal dosimetry) used in space;
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Illustrate the radiation detection methods used in space;
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Explain how to shield neutrons;
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Being able to define the major health risks related to exposure to ionising radiation in space, and give examples of potential health impact;
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Understand the concepts of radiation protection measures and limits, set for space missions;
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List the knowledge gaps or current limitations for radiation protection for prolonged missions to Moon or Mars;
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Describe the different space analogs on earth to study space health effects and understand the specific characteristics and advantages of these analogs;
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Describe which countermeasures and mitigation strategies, including medication, could be applied for radiation protection in space;
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Illustrate the impact of cosmic radiation on materials and instruments;
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Be aware of the (inter)national radiation protection research programs.
Price
The course is free of charge but due to the high interactivity of this course, the number of participants is limited to 25.
The course is organised in the framework of the ENEN2plus project.
