Scientists Measure Radiation Exposure During NASA’s Artemis I Mission. Using sophisticated mannequins named Helga and Zohar, scientists have gathered crucial data on radiation exposure outside Earth’s protective magnetic field. This research aims to better protect astronauts during extended space missions, such as future journeys to Mars.
Initial Radiation Findings from NASA’s Artemis I Mission
Researchers have shared the first radiation measurements from NASA’s Artemis I mission, a 25-day uncrewed flight around the moon in 2022. Data were collected using advanced sensors inside the Orion spacecraft, including NASA’s HERA and the European Space Agency’s EAD sensors. Helga and Zohar, designed to replicate the female body, helped measure radiation exposure. Zohar wore a radiation vest, while Helga had no protection. These mannequins, known as “radiation phantoms,” allowed scientists to study how radiation affects different body parts, particularly in deep space and during transit through the Van Allen radiation belts.
Protecting Astronauts from Space Radiation
Radiation poses a major threat to astronauts, especially during long-term missions beyond Earth’s orbit. Galactic cosmic rays and solar flares can cause severe health risks, such as radiation sickness, cancer, and degenerative diseases. The Artemis program aims to establish a human base on the moon as a stepping stone for Mars exploration. Gathering data on radiation exposure is critical for ensuring the safety of astronauts on these missions.
The areas inside the Orion capsule that offered the most radiation shielding, including a designated “storm shelter” for solar flares, provided up to four times more protection than less shielded areas. This reinforces the spacecraft’s design for future crewed missions.
Benefits of Advanced Radiation Shielding
The Artemis I mission revealed that radiation exposure inside Orion from galactic cosmic rays was 60% lower than previous interplanetary probes, showing the effectiveness of the spacecraft’s shielding. Helga and Zohar’s data will continue to offer insights into radiation protection, including the efficiency of Zohar’s vest, which will be further evaluated in upcoming reports.
Orion’s orientation during flight also impacted radiation levels. A 90-degree turn during the mission halved radiation exposure by increasing the spacecraft’s shielding against the Van Allen belts.
As Orion travelled farther than any previous human-rated spacecraft, the data collected will be essential for preparing astronauts for future missions beyond the Earth’s magnetic protection.