Space & Astronomy

Apollo astronauts at risk of heart problems

By T.K. Randall
July 29, 2016

Image: Earthrise - Apollo 8
Credit: (PD) NASA A new study has revealed that the astronauts who ventured to the moon are much more likely to suffer from heart problems than those who have only ever traveled as far as low-Earth orbit.

Several of the astronauts who went to the moon as part of the Apollo program - including Neil Armstrong, James Irwin and Ronald Evans - have already died from heart-related conditions.

The culprit is radiation - a serious problem for any future deep space missions as there currently exists no effective way to shield astronauts from it once they leave the safety of the Earth.Other health concerns, such as cancer, have also long been linked to radiation exposure.

"We know very little about the effects of deep space radiation on human health, particularly on the cardiovascular system," said Professor Michael Delp.

"This gives us the first glimpse into its adverse effects on humans."

Source: Telegraph

Tags: Apollo, Astronauts, Moon, Radiation