Expert: Steven LJ Russo - 4/1/2007

Question
Could you please tell me what progress has been made, since 1970s,  on fixing the problems associated with human adaptation to spaceflight or living on other planets such as Mars and what are the main concerns? In particular, is it now physically and technologically  feasible(if not economically so) to build and use rotating spacecraft which can simulate Earth 1g gravity? I've also heard that comsic radiation could sterilise astronauts unprotected by magentic fields, but always thought that it might be an urban myth at least as regards spaceflight further away from Venus's orbit around the Sun - what's your stance?

Thanks,
Geoff

Answer
Humans STILL have problems (nausia, cramps, weaking muscles, etc) with spaceflight.  Exercise helps with the Muscle problem, but anything else is pretty much just a "normal problem" of spaceflight.

Building rotationg structures is still not feasable.

Cosmic radiation is a problem, but under normal spaceflight, is not dangerous.  On anormal flight, the amount of radiation is about what you and I would get watching color TV.  Now if there was a major explosion on the Sun, that would greatly increase the risk.

As far as sterilization.  I doubt it.  Astronaut Story Musgrave, now retired, has logged more than 25 million miles in space, has 6 children, one of which was born last May.  Story is 72 years old!

Steve