For astronaut radiation protection just add water
by Erica Marchand
Paris, France (SPX) Feb 10, 2025
Space presents significant hazards, particularly exposure to intense radiation. Without adequate shielding, space instruments may fail, and astronauts face serious health risks. Researchers at Ghent University in Belgium are investigating the effectiveness of 3D-printed hydrogels, highly absorbent materials that retain large amounts of water, as a novel approach to radiation shielding.
Radiation in space is a formidable challenge. High-energy particles from the Sun, as well as deep-space cosmic rays, move at near-light speeds. Earth’s atmosphere and magnetic field provide natural protection, but beyond these barriers, astronauts receive radiation doses…