Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #31290: How Space Phantoms Help Us Understand Cosmic Radiation Risks
- Agnirva.com
- Aug 1
- 2 min read
The dangers of radiation in space are real and ever-present. One groundbreaking study aimed at understanding these dangers is known by a long name: “Studying the Variations of the Radiation Environment Along the Flight Path and in Compartments of the International Space Station and Time History of Dose Accumulation in a Spherical and Torso Phantoms Located Inside and Outside the Station - Determination of the Absorbed Dose of Radiation,” or more simply, Matroyshka-R.
Led by V. Petrov from the Institute of Medical and Biological Problems (IMBP RAS) in Moscow, this experiment took place over multiple ISS expeditions. It used two phantoms—spherical and torso-shaped, designed to mimic human tissue—embedded with radiation sensors. These phantoms were strategically placed both inside and outside the station to capture a comprehensive radiation profile.
Why use phantoms? They allow scientists to study how radiation affects human tissues without exposing real astronauts to risk. The internal sensors could measure how deeply radiation penetrated and which organs would be most affected.
The experiment ran over 16 expeditions, building a detailed timeline of how radiation doses varied with solar activity, station location, and shielding. This data is critical for designing better protective strategies for astronauts and optimizing mission durations to minimize radiation exposure.
These insights are essential not just for ISS missions, but also for future explorations to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. The Matroyshka-R study bridges a vital gap in space health science and continues to inform safety protocols for long-term space habitation.
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