2006-07-15 16:55:27 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
The radiation dosage on the Moon flights was estimated in advance, and sufficient shielding was provided in the command module. The potential exposure was relatively small because they passed through the Van Allen belt quickly.
They could have received harmful doses of radiation if there had been a major solar flare during one of the missions.
2006-07-15 17:13:05 · answer #1 · answered by injanier 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Apollo astronauts who travelled to the moon spent very little time in the belts and received a harmless dose. Nevertheless NASA deliberately timed Apollo launches, and used lunar transfer orbits that only skirted the edge of the belt over the equator to minimise the radiation. Astronauts who visited the moon probably have a slightly higher risk of cancer during their lifetimes, but still remain unlikely to become ill because of it.
2006-07-15 17:03:10 · answer #2 · answered by modcaps 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The short answer is by passing through the belts quickly combined with the fact that the belts do not have as much radiation as you may be thinking. The long answer in in the source below. But it is just saying what I said above, only more scientifically.
2006-07-15 17:16:20 · answer #3 · answered by campbelp2002 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's funny, they didn't spend that much time in them, well tell that to the rocket scientists who are working on the latest NAPA creation who clearly state the complete opposite. In their own words say there has never been a human past high earth orbit, as well as describing the belts as "very dangerous not just to the astronauts but to the electronics on board." But don't take my words for it go to NASA..got and search for "NAPA radiation shielding for deep space mission" and hear it from the big man himself.
2015-07-27 02:38:43 · answer #4 · answered by Dallasgoldbug 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Van Allen belts are just that; belts, not an unbroken spherical shell. You can easily skirt around them.
2006-07-15 18:56:02 · answer #5 · answered by zee_prime 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Modcaps gets a cookie for the right answer...
By skirting the belts and minimizing exposure via carefully timed and aimed launches and returns. Gee, maybe it does take a rocket scientist... ;o]
2006-07-15 20:03:19 · answer #6 · answered by Michael Gmirkin 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Space suits protected them
2006-07-15 16:58:39 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Thats what space suits and space shuttles are for
2006-07-15 17:14:36 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They wore tin foil on their heads.
2006-07-15 16:57:44 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You won't be harmed if you're there for just a moment.
Stay there for hours and you WILL be harmed.
2006-07-15 16:58:49 · answer #10 · answered by Coffee-Infused Insomniac 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋