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Nature 409, 1115-1118 (22 February 2001) | doi:10.1038/35059243

Open Innovation Challenges

progress Humans in space

Ronald J. White1 & Maurice Averner2

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Many successful space missions over the past 40 years have highlighted the advantages and necessity of humans in the exploration of space. But as space travel becomes ever more feasible in the twenty-first century, the health and safety of future space explorers will be paramount. In particular, understanding the risks posed by exposure to radiation and extended weightlessness will be crucial if humans are to travel far from Earth.