Radiation vest tested on NASA moonshot can cut astronauts’ exposure in solar storms, study suggests
Summary
A new study found that a radiation-shielding vest tested on female manikins during NASA’s Artemis I mission can greatly reduce astronauts’ exposure to dangerous solar radiation. The vest, designed to protect vital organs, could help keep astronauts safe during strong solar storms as NASA plans to send people back to the moon.Key Facts
- NASA tested the radiation vest on two female manikins, Helga and Zohar, during the Artemis I mission in 2022.
- Zohar wore the 57-pound AstroRad vest, while Helga did not wear the vest but had radiation sensors.
- The vest is designed to protect sensitive organs like lungs, stomach, bone marrow, breasts, and ovaries.
- It was developed by StemRad, a U.S.-Israeli startup, in partnership with Lockheed Martin.
- The vest could reduce radiation exposure by about 60% during a severe solar storm like the 1972 event and about 40% during a 1989-level storm.
- Radiation protection is crucial for future moon missions and long-term lunar bases due to solar storms.
- The Artemis I mission carried no crew but helped test safety equipment for upcoming moon flights.
- The vest was previously tested on the International Space Station for comfort and function.
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