Manned missions to Mars and chromosome damage

Abstract

Purpose : To estimate the frequencies of dicentric chromosomes in peripheral lymphocytes of astronauts on missions to Mars. Materials and methods: Calculations of expected frequencies of dicentrics are based on dose estimations and lymphocyte biology. Results : Frequencies of dicentrics are predicted to be 10-40 times higher than the background level. Conclusions : Stressing the importance of careful mission planning and optimized shielding of transfer vehicle to Mars.