Kiefer J
Strahlenzentrum der Justus-Liebig-Universitat, Leihgesterner Weg 217, D-35392 Giessen, Germany.
Phys Med. 2001;17 Suppl 1:1-4.
Space radiation research had a significant impact in the past. The physical interaction of heavy charged particles with living matter and the development of models, including microdosimetry, were stimulated by problems encountered in space. New phenomena were discovered. Advanced dosimetric techniques had to be developed and computational methods to describe the radiation field in space. The understanding of the radiobiology of heavy ions, necessary for a well-founded risk assessment and prompted by space radiation research, constitutes also the basis for heavy ion radiotherapy. So far unknown areas like the interaction of microgravity and radiation were opened. The space station will give even more opportunities. For the first time it will be possible to investigate animals for a longer time under the influence of both microgravity and radiation. Living systems can be exposed under well defined conditions with parallel physical measurements. Solar particle events are still an unsolved problem. Significant improvement in their predictability and quantitative description can be expected. All this will not only give exciting opportunities for research but will also translate into immediate benefit for human beings. This paper will attempt to give an overview of the past achievements and glance into the future.
太空辐射研究在过去产生了重大影响。空间中遇到的问题推动了重带电粒子与生物物质的物理相互作用以及包括微剂量学在内的模型的发展。新现象被发现。必须开发先进的剂量测定技术和描述空间辐射场的计算方法。对重离子放射生物学的理解是有充分依据的风险评估所必需的，并且受到太空辐射研究的推动，它也是重离子放射治疗的基础。迄今为止，诸如微重力与辐射相互作用等未知领域被开拓出来。空间站将带来更多机会。首次有可能在微重力和辐射的双重影响下对动物进行更长时间的研究。生物系统可以在明确界定的条件下暴露，并同时进行物理测量。太阳粒子事件仍然是一个未解决的问题。预计其可预测性和定量描述将有显著改善。所有这些不仅将为研究带来令人兴奋的机会，还将直接造福人类。本文将试图概述过去的成就并展望未来。
