Colonizing Mars Research Paper

Radiation Factors Risk Assessment
When colonizing Mars, there are a variety of different hazards that can affect the astronauts colonizing, including radiation. Radiation is found everywhere in outer space. It can cause cancer, death, and a decrease in blood count. According to the impact vs. probability matrix, radiation is rated as a 25 due to the high chance of being exposed and the high probability that radiation will negatively impact the astronauts’ future.
As astronauts leave the protection of Earth’s atmosphere, radiation becomes a hazard in outer space. The three types of radiation found in space include galactic cosmic rays (GCRs), belt radiation, and solar particle events (SPE). Galactic cosmic rays are rays that come from other
According to Rob Garner, two possible ways of protection include using hydrogen and polyethylene to shield astronauts from the harmful effects of radiation. Hydrogen is a great form of radiation shielding because it absorbs the particles well. Hydrogen is normally found as a single electron and proton, causing it to be a great radiation shield, due to the similar size of hydrogen and the protons and neutrons from radiation. Hydrogen can be extracted from the water ice found in the north and south poles on Mars. The element would be extracted through the process of electrolysis, where an electric current causes the compound to go through chemical decomposition. The living corridors on Mars could have walls containing hydrogen on the interior. The walls could also contain water in the interior due to the human need for water to survive. Water contains the element, hydrogen, so by using water in between the walls, this would help to solve storage problems. Polyethylene is another material that can possibly be used. It contains a high percentage of hydrogen, allowing the material to block out the space radiation. Polyethylene can be used as a lining on the shelter walls to help prevent radiation from entering. Another option for repelling radiation is by using inflatable balls that produce a static charge of about 100
Before the astronauts travel to space, bone marrow samples are taken, according to the Lesson 9 reading, to help reverse cancer in the future if diagnosed. If the astronauts are planning on having children after returning to Earth, they can also preserve sperms and ovaries for future use. Astronauts should take antioxidants to help prevent the radiation from destroying their body. These antioxidants include vitamin C, beta-carotene, and vitamin