Why I Decided Against Being an Astronaut
Bone marrow cells are especially vulnerable to the protons of
solar storms; finding a means to protectthe hips, shoulders,
spines, thighs, sternums, and skulls of astronauts may be vital
to keeping them healthy in space.
Once outside the protection of Earth's magnetic field and
atmosphere, an astronaut is exposed to the full brunt of solar
storms. The ideal solution in such a situation would be for the
astronaut to take cover in some form of radiation shelter. But
if a shelter is too far away to reach, a spacesuit with extra
radiation shielding over marrow-rich areas could save the
astronaut's life.
Even shielded, however, an astronaut could still develop
long-term health problems such as cancer or cataracts and other
maladies; it is impossible to shield against all solar protons.
Still, if the idea of proton shielding is approved, newer
spacesuits may look different from older ones, with bulked up
shoulders and hips, and bulbous helmets.
NASA Science October 26, 2005
Dr. Mercola's Comment:As long asI can remember, Ihave always
beeninterested in science, math and health. The first magazine
subscription Ireceived wasPopular Science. I signed up almost 40
years ago and still eagerly look forward to each issue.
I carefully followed the space program in the early '60s and
clearly remember rejoicing while watching Neil Armstrong live
(in black and white TV)landing on the moon in 1969. Becoming an
astronaut seemed to be an appealing choice. So I set my goals
and planned on entering the Air Force Academy and becoming a
pilot withthe intention of becoming an astronaut.
However, I became rapidly disillusioned with the U.S. military
in my application process and decided in high school it would be
wise to pursue my other passion -- health -- so I set my sights
on medical school and I have absolutely no regrets.
But space tourism will become a big industry. Just about one
year ago, the $10 million Ansari X prize was won by Space Ship
One. Immediately afterward, Richard Branson partnered with Burt
Ruttan to form Virgin Galactic, which is scheduled to offer
flights into space in 2008 for $200,000. They already have more
than 10,000 people who are interested in taking that flight.
While a quarter-million dollars seems like a lot to travel into
space, it is a small fraction of what civilian astronauts have
been paying. Earlier this year, space CEO Greg Olsen paid $20
million to fly into space and visit the International Space
Station.
With what I know about health though, I would notlet someone pay
me$20 million to fly into space. I am far too concerned with the
damage that radiation can produce.
You and Iare designed to live in the protection of Earth's
atmosphere and when we venture outside the protective envelope
we are asking for problems.Commercial flight crews have shown us
that they have a higher risk of cancer. This is depsiteonly
flyingseven miles high where theystill retain the bulk of the
atmosphere's protection.
It is my impression most medical professionals are clueless
about energy medicine and have little to no appreciation of the
dangers of radiation. This is true for X–rays and cell
phones.
It seems obvious to me that losing your shielding to cosmic rays
is not a wise move at this point in history. I do believe,
however, science will eventually discover some type of effective
shielding that may even exceed the protection of our
atmosphere--but I don't see that happening in my lifetime. This
NASA article aboveacknowledges much of the danger; cosmic
radiation will affect your bone marrow.
However, it is my impression individual cellular damage and
destruction is likely to be a more serious concern. Any way you
roll it, even though my childhood dream was to become an
astronaut, you will not see me on any space flight in the
future.