NASA's Artemis I mission has produced significant findings regarding radiation exposure during lunar travel. The mission, which included the Orion spacecraft and two mannequins named Helga and Zohar, gathered data on radiation levels as part of the MARE project, led by the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and involving NASA, ESA, and other partners. Data published in the journal Nature indicated notable radiation level variations inside the Orion spacecraft, particularly during its traverse through Earth's proton belt. Radiation exposure differed by a factor of four depending on detector placement, though the most shielded section—the Storm Shelter—limited radiation to 150 millisieverts, below the threshold for acute radiation sickness. Furthermore, the spacecraft's orientation can significantly influence radiation exposure, with a 90-degree turn reducing it by half. This knowledge contributes to confirming Orion's suitability for future manned missions and enhancing design strategies for upcoming projects. The study, which compares data from both mannequins—one unprotected and the other in a specialized radiation vest—will guide long-term strategies in radiation management and astronaut safety for upcoming Artemis missions.
Thu, 19 Sep 2024 10:33:23 GMT | Space Daily