Radiation-Shielding Vest Shows Promise for Deep Space Missions
A study suggests that a radiation-shielding vest tested on a manikin during NASA's Artemis I moon mission could significantly reduce astronauts' exposure to radiation during solar storms. The vest, worn by the 'Zohar' manikin, showed potential to decrease radiation dose…
Fort Myers Naples, FL, August 12, 2026 —
A newly analyzed study indicates that a specialized radiation-shielding vest, tested on a manikin during NASA’s Artemis I mission, could offer substantial protection for astronauts against harmful radiation encountered during deep space travel, particularly during solar storms.
The vest was worn by the ‘Zohar’ manikin, which was part of the Artemis I payload. Preliminary findings suggest that this protective garment has the potential to significantly reduce an astronaut’s radiation dose, with estimates pointing to a decrease of up to 60% in cases of severe solar events.
This development is considered crucial for the success of future long-duration space missions, including planned expeditions to the Moon and eventually to Mars. Protecting astronauts from the cumulative effects of cosmic and solar radiation is a primary concern for space agencies planning extended stays beyond Earth’s protective magnetosphere.
The radiation levels experienced in space are considerably higher than those on Earth, posing risks ranging from increased cancer likelihood to acute radiation sickness. Solar storms, characterized by sudden bursts of energetic particles from the Sun, represent some of the most dangerous radiation events astronauts could face.
While the study highlights the potential efficacy of the vest, further research and testing will be necessary to fully validate its performance and to determine its practicality for use by human crews. Details regarding the specific materials used in the vest and the full methodology of the study were not provided in the summary.
The Artemis I mission, which concluded in December 2022, served as an uncrewed test flight of the Space Launch System rocket and the Orion spacecraft, paving the way for future crewed missions to the lunar vicinity. The inclusion of experimental protective gear like the radiation vest on such missions is a key part of gathering data necessary for ensuring astronaut safety on upcoming voyages.
Story summarized from the original created by AP on apnews.com, see more information here.
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