The European Space Agency has revealed the results of a study into astronauts' exposure to space radiation during the Artemis 1 mission, which took place in 2022. For ESA and NASA, it was about measuring the doses of different forms of radiation that could have harmful effects on astronauts' health.
As the duration of human missions in space and on the Moon increases, astronauts will increasingly be exposed, outside the Van Allen belts, to solar wind particles and cosmic radiation. It is therefore essential to better understand this radiation environment and its effects on human physiology, in order to minimize potential risks to astronaut health.
In this context,European Space AgencyEuropean Space Agency (Isa), NASANASA The German Aerospace Center (DLRDLR) conducted a study on board the spacecraft. OrionOrion NASA during the Artemis 1 mission that was carried out in November and December 2022. Several SensorsSensors Radiation and Dosimeters mobilemobile They were installed inside the vehicle, including some European models Helga and Zohar, during this test flight. The dosimeters used are based on technology already installed on board the ship. International Space StationInternational Space Station By European astronauts.
This made it possible to collect continuous radiation data during a journey between Earth and the Moon, all as part of an unmanned mission. The research team from ESA, DLR and NASA published the first results of these measurements today in the journal Science natureThe results obtained during Artemis I will help improve strategies for protecting astronauts and ensuring their safety during future missions.
Validating Orion Shield Design Options
The first major lesson from this study is that radiation exposure inside a spacecraft varies greatly depending on the location of the detectors. The best protected areas provide up to four times the safety of the least protected areas, confirming the effectiveness of the Orion spacecraft shield. Significantly, exposure to solar particles remains below 150 mSv in the best protected area, a threshold recognized as safe for preventing radiation-related illness.
“Radiation exposure during future Artemis missions is unlikely to exceed NASA's limits for astronaut safety.“
In addition, the orientation of the ship also had a significant impact on radiation exposure. A 90-degree turn as Orion passed through the inner Van Allen Belt reduced radiation exposure by 50%, providing valuable information for designing future missions. Finally, additional analyses are underway to compare the exposures of the two models: Helga, unshielded, and Zohar, equipped with a protective vest. This data could be crucial to developing effective radiation protection measures.
In conclusion, the research team asserts that radiation exposure during future Artemis missions is unlikely to exceed NASA's safety limits for astronauts. This assertion was confirmed by another scientific team, which in 2013, based on data collected by Rad – Earth's radiation detector RoverRover curiousitycuriousity On Mars – Radiation levels are estimated to be acceptable during a trip to the Red Planet.
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