Nuclear data for space exploration

Understanding the harmful effects of galactic cosmic rays (GCRs) on space exploration requires a substantial amount nuclear data. Specifically, interaction energetic GCR charged particles with spacecraft materials generates secondary radiations that, through energy deposition, can harm astronauts and electronic systems. By identifying gaps in our knowledge relevant data—such as cross sections—and ways to fill those gaps—with measurements, compilations, evaluations, dissemination, reaction modeling, sensitivity studies, uncertainty quantification—the safety viability be improved. This work surveys state art this interdisciplinary field identifies promising collaborative research topics that have significant potential advance understanding radiation environment exploration.