A new software program from China capable of calculating external space radiation has protected astronauts from radiation sickness during the country’s second manned space mission.
“This space environmental forecasting technology will play an increasingly important role in China’s longer-duration space flights and spacewalks,”
 |
| Space Shuttle Discovery astronaut Piers Sellers begins a spacewalk on July 10 (Photo: xinhuanet) |
Liu Siqing, a researcher at the Center for Space Science and Application Research of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, stated.
Liu has also led a research team responsible for forecasting the space environment for Shenzhou missions over the years.
At a specialized space science conference that opened yesterday in Beijing, Liu mentioned that China’s future space program will increase the frequency of space missions. This presents additional challenges for experts in ensuring astronaut safety.
Based on radiation studies both domestically and internationally, Chinese scientists have developed software to assess the radiation levels that astronauts may encounter during space flights.
“During the Shenzhou V and VI missions, researchers used this software to calculate and monitor the radiation levels affecting astronauts,” Liu said. “If radiation exceeds safe levels, ground operators will contact the astronauts to provide instructions on how to avoid radiation and protect themselves.”
High-energy radiation poses a significant threat to the safety of astronauts in space. It can damage their cells, tissues, and organs.
T.VY
