Nasa will blast a dummy astronaut that is packed with human blood and bone cells with an intense radiation shower. The dummy astronaut will consist of a life-size replica of the human torso that is equipped with hundreds of radiation senors. The torso will have natural bone, simulated skin and organs, and blood cells. This experiment is being held so scientist can understand the full effects of solar radiation for future space exploration. The blood cells were placed in tubes in the stomach and some in the bone marrow. This will help answer the question of whether the shielded parts of bone marrow will be less effected by the radiation. Radiation in the bone marrow increases the risk of leukemia and other cancers. The scientist also want to see the effect radiation has on red blood cells. They want to see how much the radiation will damage DNA and if the cells end up apoptosising or turning cancerous. Many astronauts endures "chronic exposure" to low-level radiation during past missions but for a further flight mission the chances of a solar flare are raised. The biological effects are sensitive to the levels of radiation.
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