Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #31294: Mapping Space Radiation: Inside the Matroyshka-R PADLES Experiment

The environment of space is not just a void—it’s filled with high-energy particles that pose a serious threat to astronaut health. To better understand and mitigate this danger, the Russian Institute of Medical and Biological Problems developed the Matroyshka-R PADLES experiment. This study is a crucial component of the broader Matroyshka-R initiative, which investigates the radiation landscape inside the International Space Station (ISS).

PADLES stands for Passive Dosimeter for Lifescience Experiments in Space. Unlike active radiation detectors, PADLES uses passive devices that accumulate data over time and are analyzed after returning to Earth. The experiment's unique approach allowed scientists to measure long-term radiation exposure across various sections of the ISS.

The research employed phantoms—human-representative mannequins outfitted with dosimeters placed at different depths and locations. These phantoms mimicked human tissue, giving researchers insights into how radiation penetrates the human body. PADLES was conducted over multiple ISS expeditions (27/28 to 43/44), allowing a rich data set that reflected different space weather conditions and spacecraft configurations.

A major goal of this experiment was to understand the cumulative radiation dose astronauts receive during long-duration spaceflight. This is particularly important for planning future missions to the Moon and Mars, where exposure to galactic cosmic rays and solar particle events will be far more significant.

The results from PADLES have helped in refining radiation shielding strategies and enhancing crew safety protocols. By understanding where and how radiation accumulates within the ISS, engineers can improve the station’s layout and protective features.

Through such meticulous studies, we inch closer to safer space exploration. PADLES has not only deepened our understanding of space radiation but also equipped us with better tools to protect the explorers of tomorrow.

Join the Agnirva Space Internship Program

Get certified with over 100 hours of immersive, self-paced learning in astronomy, cosmology, space technology, and climate science through the Agnirva Space Internship Program. Join, complete virtual projects, and earn a digital certificate to showcase your space fluency in interviews, resumes, and beyond.