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Since the first astronaut entered space, NASA has paid close attention to the problem of radiation exposure. Since 1960, over 400 astronauts and cosmonauts have been exposed to the space environment from as little as 90 minutes to over TBD days.
The NASA 'Longitudinal Study' has followed the medical histories of each astronaut in minute detail to uncover any signs that their brief exposures have led to increased risks for a variety of know, radiation-related, medical conditions.
Looking farther ahead to years-long expeditions to Mars, NASA scientists and engineers are working to overcome the daunting challenges of minimizing astronaut radiation dosages, and returning the explorers safely to Earth, with no long-term medical problems. [More]
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