The main objectives of this research project are the development and testing of novel nanocomposite materials for real-time radiation detectors that will minimize risks and exposure during human exploration missions. Developing and testing new materials for improved safety and health during human exploration beyond near Earth orbit cannot occur without a validated approach to addressing astronaut health risks due to radiation. This requires characterization of the space radiation environment, experimental validation of radiation protection methodologies, and the ability to predict and monitor the radiation absorbed by astronauts on a real-time and mission-integrated basis. As of 2019, the deep-space radiation environment is reasonably characterized, but real-time radiation monitors have not been fully addressed. For example, real-time radiation monitors are currently utilized on the International Space Station with inconsistent results, and they are not integrated with space-suits. Additional development is needed for active crew personnel dosimetry, including methods to incorporate dosimeters on space-suits. Therefore, this research proposal will focus on developing real time low weight and low power consumption radiation monitoring devices using carbon nanomaterials (such as graphene), which can also be fully integrated with the spacesuits of astronauts. These sensors will be realized by combining a biological element sensitive to ultraviolet radiation, double-stranded DNA, with conductive nanomaterial based on graphene and a polymer matrix acting as support. Among the technological problems that hinder the realization of this type of sensors, the ability to disperse carbon nanomaterials inside a polymer matrix is certainly a major issue. To this end, the same DNA component will be used to improve the dispersion of graphene, in addition to confer UV sensitivity to the nanocomposite material.
