The Curiosity rover is being used by NASA to conduct multiple studies that will be crucial for further missions. Scientists are aware that in order to send human explorers to the Red Planet, they have to make sure that they will be as safe as possible. That is why one of the main objectives of Curiosity is to measure the levels of radiation in Mars. As NASA is already preparing the Orion spacecraft and Space Launch System rocket to carry and shelter us in space, the findings by Curiosity will enable humans to travel safely. "As this nation strives to reach an asteroid and Mars in our lifetimes, we're working to solve every puzzle nature poses to keep astronauts safe so they can explore the unknown and return home," said William Gerstenmaier, NASA's associate administrator for human exploration and operations in Washington The instrument that allows Curiosity to measure the radiation levels is called Radiation Assessment Detector (RAD). Since Curiosity is very similar to a potential human exploration spacecraft, scientists will be able to determine how the radiation would affect humans inside a spacecraft. This also allows them to find out the effectiveness of radiation shielding. As of May, findings have demonstrated that the level of radiation could exceed NASA’s limit for astronauts if current propulsion systems are used. Source: Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Engineering Group: Melina Borghi and Ariel Castro.
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