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Title: EVALUATION OF EXISTING PUBLIC DOSE LIMITS APPLIED TO RECREATIONAL SPACEFLIGHT

Journal Article · · Radiation Protection Dosimetry

Abstract Establishing realistic radiation dose limits with a solid scientific basis is a key component of the ‘as low as reasonably achievable’ (ALARA) principle. Although existing occupational dose limits have been established for civil astronauts, with the rise in popularity and technological maturation of the ‘space tourism’ sector, there does not appear to be considerable discussion on the subject of non-occupational astronaut dose limits. The necessity to come to a collective decision on dose limits and radiation safety procedures for recreational spaceflight is urgent and imperative to maintain ALARA goals, as existing federal dose limits to the public cannot be adequately or universally applied to the space tourism sector. Development of an entirely new set of regulations and guidelines should also provide long-term benefits in public perception as evidence of safety commitments from decision makers and the community in protecting passengers from radiological risks balanced with other spaceflight hazards.

Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
Grant/Contract Number:
89303321CEM000080
OSTI ID:
1958664
Journal Information:
Radiation Protection Dosimetry, Journal Name: Radiation Protection Dosimetry Journal Issue: 5 Vol. 199; ISSN 0144-8420
Publisher:
Oxford University PressCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United Kingdom
Language:
English