chimera wrote Yesterday at 1:03pm:
'Travelling to Neptune with current technology takes approximately 12 to 30+ years'.
Ozpol can be beamed in to pass the time.
Not possible due to radiation ( as only one reason)
Google AI:
Radiation in deep space is extremely deadly, capable of causing acute radiation sickness, severe long-term health issues, and, in cases of major, unshielded solar particle events (SPEs), rapid death. Beyond the protection of Earth's magnetic field, astronauts are exposed to high-energy, heavy ions (Galactic Cosmic Rays) that can penetrate spacecraft and cause complex DNA damage, with long-duration missions to Mars potentially carrying a 50% mortality risk due to radiation if no advanced shielding is developed.
Deadly Aspects of Deep Space Radiation
Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS): A significant SPE (solar flare) can deliver a high dose of radiation in a short time, leading to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, and potential death, similar to being in a severe nuclear accident.
Galactic Cosmic Radiation (GCR): These are high-energy particles (HZE nuclei) that are very difficult to block. A 3-year mission to Mars could expose astronauts to 1650 millisieverts (mSv)—nearly three times the maximum career limit for astronauts, resulting in
16,000+ times the average daily radiation dose on Earth.Cancer and Degenerative Diseases: The high-LET (Linear Energy Transfer) radiation breaks DNA and causes oxidative damage, significantly increasing the long-term risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and central nervous system damage (known as "space brain").
Secondary Radiation: When primary cosmic rays hit shielding, they can create a "cascade" of secondary particles (neutrons, gamma rays) that are sometimes more damaging than the initial radiation.
Risk Comparison
ISS (Low Earth Orbit): Protected by Earth's magnetic field. Astronauts receive a high, but manageable, dose.
Deep Space/Moon/Mars: Without the protective "cocoon," radiation is much higher. A large, unshielded solar storm could lead to a fatal dose in a short period.
Comparison: A 6-month stay on the ISS equals roughly 100 chest X-rays, but 6 months on a trip to Mars would likely be exponentially higher.
Mitigation Strategies
To combat these risks, future missions will require:
Storm Shelters: Highly shielded areas in spacecraft for use during solar events.
Advanced Materials: Using hydrogen-rich materials (like water or polyethylene) instead of metal, which can make secondary radiation worse.
Medical Countermeasures: Ongoing research into drugs to protect against radiation damage.
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