US EditionToxic dust on Mars would present serious hazard for astronauts
- A study published last month in GeoHealth indicates that toxic dust on Mars poses a significant hazard to future astronaut missions, potentially requiring substantial countermeasures.
- Martian dust contains substances like silica, gypsum, perchlorates, and nanophase iron oxides, which could have life-threatening effects, especially on astronauts' lungs.
- Exposure to Martian dust could lead to pulmonary disease from silica and iron oxides, thyroid dysfunction and aplastic anemia from perchlorates, and exacerbate the risk of pulmonary fibrosis already present due to radiation exposure during spaceflight.
- According to Justin Wang, a study co-author and medical student at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, speaking to CNN on Wednesday, the fine Martian dust is expected to remain in astronauts' lungs and be absorbed into the bloodstream, but is "easily avoidable given we're properly prepared for it."
- Given the infeasibility of rapid evacuation from Mars and the frequent globe-encompassing dust storms, experts like Jonathan Eastwood from Imperial College London and Natalya Zavina-James from the UK Space Agency emphasize the need for sophisticated dust mitigation strategies, including dust filtration, cabin cleaning, electrostatic repulsion devices, and a complete on-site medical capability, highlighting ethical implications that must be considered before manned missions take off, as the rovers have experienced loss of scientific instruments or entire mission loss due to dusty solar panels.
20 Articles
20 Articles
Mars missions at risk: Could toxic dust threaten astronauts’ health and safety?
Martian dust poses a serious threat to future crewed missions, with toxic elements like silica, perchlorates and nanophase iron oxides potentially causing severe lung diseases. Scientists warn that exposure could lead to respiratory issues, thyroid dysfunction and equipment failure. As space agencies plan Mars missions, tackling this invisible danger is crucial for astronaut survival
Mars Dust Contains Harmful Particles, Could Threaten Astronauts: Study
The dust present on Mars contains harmful substances such as silica, gypsum, iron oxides, and perchlorates, and it could pose life-threatening risks to astronauts, according to a new study. Robotic missions are particularly vulnerable to these storms, which can result in electrostatic storms that can damage electronics and build dust on solar panels, the research said. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has announced that the Starship rocket would leave for …
Study Warns About Mars' Dust
Dust was a problem for astronauts during the Apollo missions, causing coughing and runny eyes while getting into the lunar landers. It could complicate any visits to Mars, as well, a study published in GeoHealth says while outlining the risks for crews and their equipment. Martian dust contains toxic substances...
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