As human missions to space and the Moon become longer, astronauts will be increasingly exposed to solar wind particles and cosmic radiation beyond the Van Allen belts. It is therefore essential to better understand this radiation environment and its effects on human physiology in order to minimize potential health risks to astronauts.
Artemis I: Orion capsule returns to Earth unharmed, paving the way for manned lunar flights
In this context, theEuropean Space AgencyEuropean Space Agency (ESA), the NASANASA and the German Aerospace Center (DLRDLR) conducted a study on board the spacecraft OrionOrion from NASA during the Artemis I mission carried out in November and December 2022. Several sensorssensors radiation and dosimeters mobilemobile were installed inside the vehicle, some of which were inside the European dummies Helga and Zohar, during this demonstration flight. The dosimeters used are based on technology already proven on board the 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 uncrewed mission. The research team from ESA, DLR and NASA published the first findings of these measurements today in the scientific journal NatureThe results obtained during Artemis I will help refine astronaut protection strategies and ensure their safety during future missions.
Validation of Orion Shield Design Choices
A first major lesson of this study is that radiation exposure within the spacecraft varies considerably depending on the location of the detectors. The best-shielded areas offer up to four times more safety than the least-shielded areas, thus confirming the effectiveness of the shielding of the Orion spacecraft. Concretely, exposure to solar particles is kept below 150 millisieverts in the most-shielded area, a threshold recognized as safe to prevent radiation-related illnesses.
“Radiation exposure during future Artemis missions is unlikely to exceed NASA’s limits for astronaut safety”
In addition, the orientation of the spacecraft 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 the design of future missions. Finally, additional analyses are underway to compare the exposure of the mannequins: Helga, unprotected, and Zohar, equipped with a protective vest. This data could prove crucial for the development of effective radiation protection measures.
In conclusion, the research team emphasizes that it is unlikely that radiation exposure during future Artemis missions will exceed the safety limits established by NASA for astronauts. This statement is corroborated by another scientific team that, in 2013, based on data collected by Rad – the radiation detector of the roverrover CuriosityCuriosity on Mars – believes that radiation levels would be acceptable during a trip to the Red Planet.
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