Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #30776: Exploring New Frontiers in Space Radiation Shielding with ExHAM

Space travel presents many challenges, and one of the most significant is protecting astronauts and equipment from harmful cosmic radiation. The ExHAM-Radiation Shielding experiment aimed to explore how different materials could guard against this invisible but dangerous threat.

Conducted by Dr. Nilgun Baydogan and her team from Istanbul Technical University, this project involved attaching various shielding materials to the outside of the ISS using the ExHAM platform. This unique setup allowed direct exposure to the space environment, simulating the exact conditions materials would face on long-duration missions.

Why test radiation shielding in space? Earth's magnetic field protects us from most radiation, but astronauts in orbit or on deep-space missions don’t have that protection. Without effective shielding, they face increased risks of cancer and other health issues.

By analyzing how materials like polymers and composite layers perform after months in space, scientists gain valuable insights. Do the materials degrade? Do they remain structurally intact? Do they still block radiation effectively? These questions are crucial as we plan for missions to Mars or long-term lunar habitats.

The experiment ran across Expeditions 55/56, 57/58, and 59/60, with data helping to validate laboratory tests and refine computer models. The results not only help spacecraft designers but also have implications for space suits, satellites, and even habitats.

Thanks to JAXA’s support, this research supports humanity’s quest to explore space safely and sustainably.

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