Despite years of research, understanding of the space radiation environment
and the risk it poses to long-duration astronauts remains limited. There is a
disparity between research results and observed empirical effects seen in human
astronaut crews, likely due to the numerous factors that limit terrestrial
simulation of the complex space environment and extrapolation of human clinical
consequences from varied animal models. Given the intended future of human
spaceflight, with efforts now to rapidly expand capabilities for human missions
to the moon and Mars, there is a pressing need to improve upon the
understanding of the space radiation risk, predict likely clinical outcomes of
interplanetary radiation exposure, and develop appropriate and effective
mitigation strategies for future missions. To achieve this goal, the space
radiation and aerospace community must recognize the historical limitations of
radiation research and how such limitations could be addressed in future
research endeavors. We have sought to highlight the numerous factors that limit
understanding of the risk of space radiation for human crews and to identify
ways in which these limitations could be addressed for improved understanding
and appropriate risk posture regarding future human spaceflight.Comment: Accepted for publication by Nature Microgravity (2018
