Russia: New Spacecraft Radiation Shielding Material Developed

Russian Scientists Develop Novel Material to Shield Astronauts From Deep Space Radiation

A breakthrough composite material developed by researchers in Russia promises to significantly enhance radiation protection for both spacecraft and astronauts embarking on long-duration missions, addressing a critical challenge for future space exploration.

The increasing ambition to explore deep space necessitates robust solutions to shield crews from the dangers of cosmic radiation and the solar wind. These streams of high-energy particles pose a significant threat to human health and can disrupt the functionality of sensitive electronic equipment. Cosmic radiation,in particular,ionizes spacecraft materials,creating secondary radiation within the hull – a problem this new material aims to mitigate. Existing strategies involve using “light” materials rich in hydrogen to scatter radiation, alongside heavy metals or composites to absorb photon radiation.

Did you know? – Cosmic radiation isn’t just a space problem. It also reaches Earth, though our atmosphere and magnetic field provide significant protection.increased solar activity can elevate radiation levels even at airline altitudes.

A New Approach to Radiation Shielding

Researchers at the Far Eastern Federal University (FEFU), collaborating with colleagues across Russia, have focused on creating a material that is both highly effective and economically feasible for widespread use in the space industry. “we propose ceramic-metal composites of the LaB6-Al-Mg system,sintered using advanced pulsed plasma sintering technology,” stated the head of the study,Oleg Shichalin. This innovative approach centers on a unique combination of materials and a cutting-edge manufacturing process.

Key Properties and Performance

The newly developed composite boasts high density and extraordinary proton-absorbing capability. Testing revealed that a composition containing 50% lanthanum hexaboride (LaB) yielded the most promising results in radiation protection. Remarkably, even a thin layer of this material can effectively shield underlying metals. Beyond it’s protective qualities, the composite is readily processed using conventional machining tools, simplifying the production of complex components for spacecraft structures.

This ease of manufacturing is a crucial factor,as it lowers the barrier to entry for integrating the material into existing and future spacecraft designs..

Pro tip – Lanthanum hexaboride (LaB6) is already used in some specialized applications, like electron guns in televisions and X-ray tubes, due to its high electron emission. This new submission expands its utility.

Strategic Implications for Long-Duration Spaceflight

The growth aligns with Russia’s strategic priorities in space science and technology, specifically geared towards enabling extended manned missions. This includes aspiring projects focused on cislunar space – the region encompassing the Earth and Moon – and beyond.The material’s potential to reduce radiation exposure is paramount for ensuring the safety and well-being of astronauts on these longer voyages.

Collaborative Research Effort

The research was a collaborative undertaking, involving scientists from Sakhalin State University (SakhSU), tomsk Polytechnic University (TPU), and the I. V. Tananaev Institute of chemistry and Technology of Rare Elements and Mineral Raw Materials of the Kola Scientific Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences. This multi-institutional effort highlights the importance of interdisciplinary cooperation in tackling complex challenges in space exploration.

The development of this novel composite material represents a significant step forward in protecting future space travelers and ensuring the success of long-duration missions, paving the way for a new era of deep space exploration.

Reader question – What other materials are being investigated for radiation shielding, and how does this new composite compare in terms of weight, cost, and effectiveness? Share your thoughts!