ABSTRACT
Cosmic radiation poses a potential hazard to aircrew and astronauts relative to dose and exposure. Cosmic radiation can ionize atoms and transfer energy to material. Effects of radiation on the body are complex and depend on type of radiation, dose, and body tissue. For aircrew, measurement and avoidance are protective; for astronauts, more research needed for future interplanetary missions. Cosmic radiation may originate from the sun or from outside our solar system. The effect of radiation depends on the linear energy transfer. Sievert is a unit of ionizing radiation dose and is derived to provide a measure of the health effect of low levels of ionizing radiation on the human body. Shielding may offer some protection for astronauts, but technology is challenging, and protection varies with particle type; shielding most effective for prevention of radiation exposure from solar particle events.
