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Biomedical center pushes ahead with research into protection from cosmic rays

It was stressed that it was possible to neutralize the risk of protons affecting cosmonauts as a result of solar flares, including by predicting such events

MOSCOW, June 6. /TASS/. Scientists at the Bio-Medical Problems Institute under the Russian Academy of Sciences are pushing ahead with research into ways of protecting future crews of a space station in a polar orbit from galactic cosmic rays and solar flares, as follows from a report released by the institute’s director, RAS member Oleg Orlov.

"In a polar orbit, the risk of exposure to galactic rays grows considerably. Work is underway to create adequate methods of protection from them. Means of monitoring exposure to heavy particles, both individual and common, are being developed, in combination with research into the real effects of galactic rays on various organs of the human body. This question is being studied, and means that would allow for easing this risk factor are being developed," Orlov said in the report issued Monday.

He stressed that it was possible to neutralize the risk of protons affecting cosmonauts as a result of solar flares, including by predicting such events.

Both local and personal means will help achieve a proper level of crew’s protection. "New protective materials are already being tested," he said.

Also, in polar orbits, the harmful effects of electrons will increase, in particular on "the skin and organs of vision during extra-vehicular activity." This risk can also be overcome with the help of protective gear, Orlov said.