Anti-radiation protection of astronauts in the process of working on the surface of the Moon in a short-term mission

Introduction. The issue of assessing the types of ionizing radiation characteristic of the lunar surface, the anti-radiation properties of various materials, and factors ensuring the anti-radiation safety of astronauts when placed on the lunar surface, taking into account the radiation safety standards for personnel, remains insufficiently studied.

The study aims to analyze the factors that determine the features of anti-radiation protection of astronauts in future lunar settlements.

Materials and methods. During the study, experts used analytical methods to generalize and systematize materials on the levels of dose load on astronauts at the stages of space flight and on the surface of the Moon. The researchers also used computational methods taking into account the anti-radiation properties of various materials, depending on the type of ionizing radiation, to develop approaches to the organization of anti-radiation protection of astronauts in conditions of short-term (up to 14 days) stay on the surface of the Moon.

Results. The researchers have carried out the analysis of the factors determining the radiation hazard for astronauts during their stay and work in lunar settlements. It is proved that when developing anti-radiation protection, it is necessary to use the housing of the lunar module (aluminum frame), lunar regolith and polyethylene. With the multilayer protection of the lunar module, it is necessary to take into account the attenuation coefficients of materials for various types of ionizing radiation, which will reduce the doses from both direct gamma radiation, protons and neutrons, and from scattered secondary radiation.

Conclusion. Various design options for the protection of the lunar station modules by the thickness of their constituent layers will provide anti-radiation protection of premises for various purposes, depending on the possible options for solar activity and the required levels for residential, working, emergency compartments.

Ethics. The study was conducted in compliance with Ethical standards.

Contribution:
Ivanov I.V. — concept and design of the study, analysis and interpretation of data, preparation of the first version of the article;
Burmistrov V.I. — research concept, preparation of literature review, data acquisition and analysis; calculations, editorial office of the article.

Funding. The study had no funding.

Conflict of interests. The authors declare no conflict of interests.

Received: 22.05.2023 / Accepted: 07.06.2023 / Published: 12.06.2023

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