In space, a cluster of health dangers

December 1st, 2008 By Faye Flam

Space shuttle commander Christopher Ferguson and his crew took a small but crucial step for space travel in the past two weeks, enlarging the International Space Station so it can house six astronauts instead of three.

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• rcramer2001 - Dec 02, 2008
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  The whole idea that radiation is a big problem for interplanetary travel would appear to be resolved with the implementation of an exterior internally generated magnetic field surrounding a spacecraft. Since this was reported right here on the Physorg site some time ago I'd say that pretty much invalidates a LARGE portion of this story.
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• SciTechdude - Mar 09, 2009
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  The whole idea that radiation is a big problem for interplanetary travel would appear to be resolved with the implementation of an exterior internally generated magnetic field surrounding a spacecraft. Since this was reported right here on the Physorg site some time ago I'd say that pretty much invalidates a LARGE portion of this story.

  
  
  IF they can make that work, it may indeed go a long way toward helping. I wouldn't say it invalidates any of this article though. What happens when you step onto another planet with no atmosphere and no way for you to generate a magnetic field? Or an Asteroid or whatever. Or what happens when your new-fangled magnetic field FAILS somewhere in the middle of the void of space between here and Mars? What's that? Blue screen of Radiation Death?
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