Cosmic rays may prevent long-haul space travel

**Maggy** · 06-08-2005, 09:28

Someone has sent me this depressing news link from the New Scientist Space.com

http://www.newscientistspace.com/article/dn7753

marky · 06-08-2005, 09:34

it is rather but it wasnt that long ago that travelling at the speed of sound was impossible

where theres a will theres a way

punky · 06-08-2005, 09:37

Don't get too depressed. Things change, and they can change quick. You never know when the next technical breakthrough (in this case a super-duper radiation shield) will be developed. Or, a much faster means of travel so astronauts can travel further in the same amount of time. They probably said the same thing shortly before flying to the moon.

Ramrod · 06-08-2005, 09:42

iirc-A flight to the US gives you the equivalent radiation dosage of a couple of chest x-rays................there was even talk of putting aviation workers under the protection of radiation protection rules...........

punky · 06-08-2005, 09:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ramrod

iirc-A flight to the US gives you the equivalent radiation dosage of a couple of chest x-rays................

Hope not, i'll be glowing green shortly

Ramrod · 06-08-2005, 10:24

BBC

06-08-2005, 11:16

Cosmic rays? far out man

Its only a hurdle, just as everything else is in the world/universe.

AndrewJ · 06-08-2005, 17:34

It is only a problem as our current metal technologies are not perfected, in a sheet of metal it has holes in it, now waters molecules are not small enough to pass through, however radiation ones can do this hence a danger to the crew.

Either we need to develop sheilding technlogies, or perhaps improve the outer hull into something which repel radiation and other cosmic dangerous rays.

However we have a problem of even if we develop systems which protect us, how do we know we are protected agaisnt everything, we are talking radiation and other particles which could be able to get through metals of which current known radiations cannot get through.

It is a endless cycle and I personally think we should develop sheiding technologies, of which similar to Earth magentic field.

But that is at least 50years away.

Gareth · 07-08-2005, 15:52

Bugger... was planning on doing a bit of interstellar travelling this afternoon, just for fun you realise.

AndrewJ · 09-08-2005, 01:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gareth

Bugger... was planning on doing a bit of interstellar travelling this afternoon, just for fun you realise.

No need to be like that, but one day it is something when we have the technology ( the engine say ) we are at least seeing into other problems which need sorting.

Think though if this was used for spaceships, why not use it on Earth? for people they could them live near radiated areas in shelters protected by the sheilding, if we develop antidotes for radiation which protects the users DNA and marrow from the radiation while on deepspace again it would have major uses on Earth bound applications.

AndrewJ · 09-08-2005, 05:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saxodriver

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gareth

Bugger... was planning on doing a bit of interstellar travelling this afternoon, just for fun you realise.

No need to be like that, but one day it is something when we have the technology ( the engine say ) we are at least seeing into other problems which need sorting.

Think though if this was used for spaceships, why not use it on Earth? for people they could them live near radiated areas in shelters protected by the sheilding, if we develop antidotes for radiation which protects the users DNA and marrow from the radiation while on deepspace again it would have major uses on Earth bound applications.

Right now in English when not being nagged about flooring.

The technology used in space-ships to make them safe for travelling through high levels of radiation as they would encounter in space, could also be used on Earth to shield power stations and people from risk of radiation. If drugs was developed to counter radiation poisoning on deep space exposure ( due to the olibigatory system failiure on a spaceship ) then the drugs could be used in areas on Earth.

It is funny how much technology developed for space ends up having massive impacts on life down here.

13-08-2005, 19:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saxodriver

Right now in English when not being nagged about flooring.

The technology used in space-ships to make them safe for travelling through high levels of radiation as they would encounter in space, could also be used on Earth to shield power stations and people from risk of radiation. If drugs was developed to counter radiation poisoning on deep space exposure ( due to the olibigatory system failiure on a spaceship ) then the drugs could be used in areas on Earth.

It is funny how much technology developed for space ends up having massive impacts on life down here.

Agree 100%, may I also add the hope that more male teachers are hired to teach science in all schools. If you believe in something, you can teach it with passion, and inspire in equal measure.

AndrewJ · 13-08-2005, 19:08

Can I ask why you said just male teachers?? my science teacher was female and I found her a great source of insirpation for my obsession in all things space wise.

While I am not good in mathematics or physics I still enjoy the theoretical side of science.