What Is Radiation
Radiation is defined as the emission or transmission of energy in the form of waves or particles through space or a material medium in physics. It is a form of energy that originates from a source and travels through space, with the ability to penetrate a variety of materials. Nonionizing radiation includes things like light, radio, and microwaves. Ionizing radiation is the form of radiation discussed in this article since it can contain charged particles (ions) in matter. Unstable atoms emit ionizing radiation. Unstable atoms are distinguished from stable atoms by having an excess of energy, mass, or both. High-voltage devices can also emit radiation (e.g., x-ray machines). Radioactive atoms have nuclei that are unstable. These atoms give off or emit, the excess energy or mass in order to achieve equilibrium. Radiation is the term for these pollutants. Electromagnetic (light) and particulate radiation are the two types of radiation (i.e., mass given off with the energy of motion). Electromagnetic radiation includes gamma and x-rays, for example. The nucleus emits gamma radiation, while the electrical component of the atom emits x rays. Particulate radiation includes beta and alpha radiation.
What is Space Radiation
Space Radiation are particles trapped in the Earth’s magnetic field, particles launched into space during solar flares (solar particle events), and interstellar cosmic rays, which are high-energy protons and heavy ions from outside our solar system, make up space radiation. The risks posed by cosmic rays to astronauts on interplanetary flights or other missions that travel through the Van-Allen Belts or beyond the Earth’s magnetosphere are known as cosmic ray health hazards.
How Radiation Affects the Body
Ionizing radiation, such as that emitted by rocks, atom bombs, and nuclear reactors, has only one effect on the human body: it weakens and breaks up DNA, either killing cells or causing them to mutate in ways that could lead to cancer. Acute health effects such as skin burns and acute radiation syndrome (“radiation sickness”) can occur when people are exposed to extremely high levels of radiation, such as when they are near an atomic explosion. It may also have long-term health consequences, such as cancer and heart disease.
How are Spacecrafts Usually Constructed and the Problems?
Many spacecrafts use aerospace-grade aluminum or titanium for the mainframe because both metals are extremely powerful while remaining lightweight. Carbon composite structures are being considered for future rocket projects. At the high reentry temperatures, however, aluminum melts. Spaceships must be solid for protection, but they must also be light in order to escape Earth’s gravitational pull with less fuel or propellant, which is both heavy and costly on its own. This is why spacecraft use titanium and aluminum composite materials. Aluminum is both light and powerful. The use of titanium alloys will also help to reinforce the ship’s body.
Space shuttles also have unique thermal safety tiles that help it withstand re-entry radiation. They are made of a ceramic composite, with the bottoms of the tiles being made of a carbon composite for maximum heat resistance. Now the only problem here is that none of these materials radiation levels. Now how exactly can we do that?
Materials that can Reduce Radiation Levels
One Material that is extremely good at mitigating radiation levels is lead. Lead is well suited to scattering x-rays and gamma-rays due to its density and a large number of electrons. When radiation tries to pass through lead, the energy is absorbed and scattered by the electrons. However, the lead can eventually decay due to the radiation it is exposed to. We can apply lead into space stations and space crafts through sheets, plates, slabs, pipes, glass, and many more appliances so that we can protect the people on board.
Conclusion
Space Travel can be very dangerous and we need to protect the people onboard our space crafts and space stations. So in order to do that, we need to start taking advantage of the resources on Earth so that it can assist people in finding a new home for human civilization. These advancements will make this hard challenge a lot easier for us, and hopefully, nobody turns into The Hulk.
