Radiation-shielding vest tested on NASA's Artemis 1 mission

A novel radiation-shielding vest, developed by Israeli startup StemRad, has demonstrated its potential to significantly reduce astronaut exposure to deep space radiation. Tested during NASA's uncrewed Artemis 1 lunar mission, the AstroRad vest showed it could decrease radiation doses by up to nearly 60 percent, a development crucial for future human space exploration.

The AstroRad vest is designed to protect astronauts from solar particle events (SPEs), which are powerful bursts of radiation from the sun. Unlike traditional shielding like lead, which is less effective against these high-energy particles, AstroRad utilizes a hydrogen-rich plastic. This material forms a dense barrier capable of stopping harmful particles without the secondary radiation issues associated with lead. Weighing approximately 26 kilograms, the vest's shielding is optimized based on the radiosensitivity of underlying organs.

During the Artemis 1 mission, two sophisticated human torso phantoms, named Zohar and Helga and equipped with over 5,600 radiation sensors, were used for testing. Zohar was outfitted with the AstroRad vest, while Helga served as a control. Although the mission did not encounter major solar flares, data collected as the phantoms passed through Earth's Van Allen radiation belts allowed researchers to simulate exposure levels during SPEs.

StemRad CEO Oren Milstein highlighted radiation as a major health challenge for long-duration spaceflights. The AstroRad vest is intended as an emergency measure during solar events, but its design also allows for extended wear, even during sleep. A key advantage is its ability to provide protection while astronauts remain mobile and able to perform critical tasks, rather than being confined to a spacecraft's designated safe haven.

The research, published in Science Advances, was supported by the Israel Space Agency and Lockheed Martin. StemRad is also exploring the possibility of 3D-printing vest components using recycled materials aboard the International Space Station, further enhancing astronaut safety for future missions.