NASA-tested vest could cut astronauts' radiation exposure by 60% during major solar storms

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Why it matters: A vest tested during NASA's Artemis I mission could reduce astronauts' radiation exposure during major solar storms, according to a new study. The findings show how targeted shielding could support crew safety as NASA prepares for longer missions around and eventually on the moon.

The AstroRad vest flew around the moon in 2022 on Zohar, one of two female manikins aboard NASA's Orion capsule. Researchers compared Zohar's readings with those from Helga, a second manikin that wore no vest. Both contained thousands of radiation sensors.

The flight did not encounter a major solar storm. Instead, researchers used the data collected as Orion passed through the inner Van Allen radiation belt to model the vest's performance during storms similar to those seen in 1972 and 1989.