The Apollo program was recognized
as a high risk, exploratory venture in which the
radiation risks were a direct trade-off against the other
mission risks (ref. 8). As a result, the protection standards
were mainly concerned with early biological
effects associated with high exposures that may directly
impact mission safety. The late biological effects such as
cancer induction and cataract formation were of secondary
concern. Thus, the low level galactic cosmic rays
(GCR) were neglected in the design process. The important
solar particle events (SPE) of the time were those of
solar cycle 19, including 23 February 1956, 16 July
1959, and 12–13 November 1960, for which it was estimated
that serious exposures could impact mission
safety, but that early lethality was unlikely.

Abstract

The dose rates in the blood-forming organ of a typical astronaut for four space
shielding conditions are used to study the astronaut health effects of the solar particle
event which began on August 4, 1972. This event was chosen as it was the most hazardous
event for which detailed measurements have been made and for which dire
predictions of the potential health effects have at times been suggested. The code used
for health effects is the biological model developed for tactical nuclear weapons warfare
survival of young adults in a 1g environment. We find the risks of early lethality
to be very small especially if appropriate medical action (antibiotics and blood transfusions)
is taken soon after the exposure. The primary concern would then be for the
development of cancer later in life. Although leukemia could occur relatively soon
after the exposure, the risk of solid tumors might be best controlled by using mature
individuals for the mission, and thereby offset cancer risk by balancing life span
remaining against the long latency periods associated with solid tumors. Use of
genetic selection criteria could further reduce health risks during the mission. A
possible space experiment to evaluate synergistic effects of the microgravity environmental
stress and other space-related stress factors is discussed.

Originally posted by sumsingwong
"After the Apollo program ended, the equipment, tools and plans for building the rocket were lost" (2nd paragraph)
REALLY? AND HOW DO YOU LOSE SOMETHING LIKE THAT?

[edit on 2-2-2005 by alien]