Canadian experiment keeps astronauts safe

The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) today
announced Canada’s latest space life science initiative, the Extra-Vehicular
Activity Radiation Monitor (EVARM) experiment. Developed by Ottawa’s Thomson
Nielsen with funding from the CSA, EVARM will be used to measure the amount
of radiation that astronauts receive while on a spacewalk, or extra
vehicular activity (EVA).

“Radiation is an important variable in extra-vehicular activities,” said CSA
astronaut Chris Hadfield, the first Canadian to perform an EVA. “EVARM will
provide information on radiation exposure that will help in the planning of
future EVAs, enhancing the safety of astronauts working in space. I
congratulate Thomson Nielsen on this innovative technology.”

In order to measure radiation levels during the spacewalk portion of a
mission, small electronic badges will be placed inside astronaut EVA suits.
The devices will record the amount of radiation reaching various locations
on an astronaut’s body while he or she works outside the shuttle or the
International Space Station.

“We are proud that our technology will be able to help resolve long
unanswered questions regarding EVAs and space radiation,” said Ian Thomson,
the President of Thomson Nielsen and the Principal Investigator of EVARM.
“Moreover, our work will not only help astronauts, but people on Earth as
well. We have already used the technology behind EVARM in the development of
a radiation monitor that can be used by medical practitioners for cancer
patients.”

The EVARM equipment hardware will be carried to the International Space
Station during NASA’s next space misison STS-108, scheduled for launch on
November 29, 2001. The actual experiments will be conducted during
subsequent missions.

About the Canadian Space Agency

Established in 1989 with its headquarters situated in Saint-Hubert, Quebec,
the Canadian Space Agency coordinates all aspects of the Canadian Space
Program. Through its Space Knowledge, Applications and Industry Development
business line, the CSA delivers services involving: Earth and the
Environment; Space Science; Human Presence in Space; Satellite
Communications; Generic Space Technologies; Space Qualification Services and
Awareness. The Canadian Space Agency is at the forefront of the development
and application of space knowledge for the benefit of Canadians and
humanity.

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A backgrounder on the EVARM experiment is available at:
www.space.gc.ca/evarm .

For more information:

Carole Duval

Media Relations, CSA

Tel.: (450) 926-4451

Mairi Miller

Marketing Manager, Thomson Nielsen

Tel.: (613) 596-4563