Space weather experts on the University of Surrey are urging regulators and space tourism innovators to work together to guard their passengers and crews from the risks of space weather radiation exposure.
The Earth’s atmosphere and magnetic field protect people on the bottom from exposure to unpredictable surges of electrically charged particles coming from the sun. Nonetheless, there might be dramatic increases in potential radiation exposure at higher altitudes, reminiscent of those envisaged for space tourist flights.
Space weather cannot yet be predicted and may result in health risks reminiscent of damage to DNA, and it could lead on to cancer. Despite this, space tourists currently receive little information and few warnings.
Chris Rees, lead creator of a brand new paper on radiation risks to space tourism and a postgraduate researcher at Surrey Space Centre, said:
“Although space tourism may be very area of interest, it’s going to quickly grow as an industry. With increased flights, more people could possibly be impacted by cosmic radiation exposure, especially during rapid changes in space weather. We’re recommending how regulators and industry should work together to maintain people protected without unnecessarily holding back innovation.”
JR Catchpole, co-author of the paper and an area law expert at Foot Anstey LLP, said:
“International motion is required by regulators, but meanwhile, the early movers within the sector, like Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin, need to observe themselves and their passengers. The principles of informed consent mean stronger warnings and clearer information could also be required.”
The paper, which is published in Space Policy, makes a series of recommendations:
Regulatory bodies should work closely with industry to make sure regulations are practical, effective and reflect technological advances
International standards are needed to make sure consistent regulations
Safety is crucial, which suggests clear information for space tourists and more monitoring of cosmic radiation during short space flights
Regulation must encourage innovation inside this young industry, not stifle it
