Posted on 10/03/2005 6:02:03 PM PDT by KevinDavis
Radiation exposure
The human radiation exposure during suborbital flight is considered for a typical winged (horizontal takeoff and landing) suborbital concept. These hazards are evaluated both in the context of the public at large (potential passengers) and occupational exposures (aircrew). The hazards are also considered in the context of typical background radiation exposures and medical exposures. Finally, recommendations are made regarding adherence to the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principle used by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). For the purposes of this analysis, the following flight profile is assumed:
After motor ignition, the flight passes 7,500 meters (25,000 feet) altitude at 100 seconds, 15,000 meters (50,000 feet) at 120 seconds, 30,000 meters (100,000 feet) at 160 seconds and reaches apogee of 119,000 meters (390,000 feet) at 310 seconds. Descent below 30,000 meters occurs at 440 seconds, and 15,000 meters at 460 seconds. At 600 seconds post-ignition, an essentially constant descent rate is established from 12,000 meters (40,000 feet) to about 3,000 meters (10,000 feet) at 1,600 seconds. This phase of the flight is followed by approach and landing.
(Excerpt) Read more at thespacereview.com ...
Hey Burt! I'll volunteer to be pilot, anytime.
Once you're in space you could have lead shielding 100 feet thick if you wanted it. Getting it there is the problem.
That is true...
Useful quote from the article
NASA considers astronauts as radiation industry workers. Thus, their annual dose limit is considered to be 0.5 Sv. This is equivalent to more than 94,000 flights annually. ....the career limits are not approached by suborbital crew member doses.
I don't see why this is a big deal, there's a tourist on the ISS right now that will be there for more than a week - just do what the Ruskies do........
It just the anti human in space Luddites are concerned...
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