Protective Vest Effectiveness in Reducing Astronaut Radiation Exposure

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — Recent research indicates that a protective vest, evaluated on a manikin during NASA’s Artemis mission, could significantly lower radiation exposure for lunar astronauts facing intense solar storms. Scientists discussed the radiation-shielding vest worn by a female test dummy in 2022, marking a pivotal moment for future moon exploration.

Radiation remains a considerable threat to lunar explorers as NASA aims to establish a moon base. Shielding garments like the tested vest could ensure the safety of astronauts during solar storms, enabling their movement beyond shelters if required. Findings from the U.S., German, and Israeli research team were published in Science Advances.

Previously tested on the International Space Station, the vest was not part of the Artemis II astronauts’ mission due to space constraints. Designed for use during high-radiation events, the vest covers vital organs, including the lungs, stomach, bone marrow, breasts, and ovaries. This protection is crucial as women may be particularly susceptible to radiation-induced cancers.

Artemis I featured two female manikins on its mission to the moon. Named Zohar and Helga, the manikins, each 3 feet tall, were seated in NASA’s Orion capsule. Zohar wore a 57-pound AstroRad vest, a development by StemRad and Lockheed Martin, modeled on protective gear for nuclear disasters. Helga, without a vest, carried numerous radiation sensors.

Study leader Jordan Houri of StemRad labeled the project as the most extensive effort to understand astronaut radiation beyond low-Earth orbit. Funding came from NASA, the German Aerospace Center, and the Israel Space Agency. In space closer to Earth, radiation exposure is mitigated by the planet’s atmosphere and magnetic field. Although Artemis I experienced no major solar events, data allowed scientists to simulate vest effectiveness during extreme solar storms, like the ones in 1972 and 1989.

The vest could potentially reduce radiation exposure by approximately 60% in intense solar storms such as the one in 1972 and up to 40% in storms similar to 1989’s. This relates to avoiding 193 days and 131 days of excessive radiation, respectively.

NASA’s future moon-base missions, expected to last weeks or months, increase the risk of harmful solar events. Potential Mars expeditions could span months or years. Research focuses on weight reduction for the vest while maintaining effectiveness and exploring onboard materials for shielding, enhancing crew safety.

Houri indicated that the Zohar and Helga tests offer a robust dataset, likely reducing the need for further deep-space trials. Zohar’s vest is currently showcased at Florida’s Kennedy Space Center, where her lunar trip began.

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