Monkey Radiation Experiments
One of the biggest hazards that lie beyond the protective layer of Earth
atmosphere and magnetic field is space radiation. These deadly cosmic rays come
from two sources. First are solar
energetic particles that are ejected from the sun via its solar flares and
coronal mass ejections. Second are
galactic cosmic rays that were created outside our solar system and amount
of its presence is directly related to the periods of Suns high and low
activity. Unprotected long term exposure to such conditions can cause wide array
of health problems, such as damaged DNA, risk of cancer, cataracts, neurological
disorders and other mortality risks.
In a quest to find solution for long term human habitation in space, Earths
scientist have long ago started testing effects of Space radiation to living
organisms. Since late 1940’s until today exactly twenty nine non-human primates
have been sent into space - 17 by US spacecrafts and 12 by Russians. Majority of
those flights happened in lower Earth orbits and were not primarily designed to
test for radiation effects.
One of the main NASA programs designed to test long term space habitation
started in 1966 with the launch of the Biosatellite rockets. First two capsules
carried varied specimens of fruit flies, frog eggs, bacteria and other life
forms. Third mission in 1969 carried a 6-kg male pig-tailed monkey Bonny and was
designed to test her brain functions, cardiovascular status and performance on a
30 day long mission. Her capsule was brought down to Earth only 8 days later due
her detonation health state.
Protection from the space radiation can be achieved in several ways, but there
are no 100% safe solutions. Space craft shielding can be effective against some
types of radiation, but metal and hydrogen rich plastics solutions can often
become emitters of secondary radiation. Liquid hydrogen and water compartments
can be good shielding against radiation but those materials are consumable and
therefore can not be permanent. The last technical solution is use of
electromagnetic field witch would simulate Earth’s magnetic shield. Lastly some
researches are instigating potential medical solution to radiation, with goal to
strengthen human metabolism and help him repair radiation damage.
In late 2010 NASA announced research with a mission to explore radiation effects
in possible human mission to Mars. They proposed test in witch 18 to 28 small
squirrel monkeys would over long period of time receive small doses of
radiation. News of this research created massive public outcry and various
animal-rights organizations mounted several aggressive campaigns against the
experiment. In December 2010 NASA responded that they will postpone monkey
radiation tests and are still in belief that such animal testing would greatly
expand our knowledge of outer space conditions and minimize future human loss of
life.