RADCELL: Assessment of the effects of HZE particles on human cells

Space radiation

The health threat from cosmic radiation is the danger posed by cosmic rays generated by the Sun and other stars to astronauts on interplanetary missions.
Space radiation consists of high energy protons, iron nuclei, and other cosmic elements. It is well established that high energy (HZE) charged particles coming from cosmic rays have high deleterious effect for the human health because of their high Relative Biological Effectiveness, as compared to X-rays.

Even though HZE particle-induced cellular end points such as mutagenesis, chromosomal aberrations, and cell killing have been well studied, the fundamental and molecular mechanisms are still poorly understood.

RADCELL objective

The objective of the project is the estimation of direct and indirect (bystander) effects of HZE particles in microgravity environment.

The coordination of the project is ensured by the University of Ghent (Prof van Oostveldt).

SCK•CEN is responsible for the analysis of the culture supernatants (cytokines) as well as the study of DNA damage and potential radioprotective effect of food additives derived from Spirulina, a cyanobacteria used in life support project for long manned mission.

In vitro cultures of human fibroblasts have been sent to space in the FOTON M3 mission in orbit at 300 km around the Earth last September. The mission was a success and samples are currently being analysed.