NASA Models Simulate Trip to the Moon in Preparation for Artemis Mission

NASA’s Artemis II mission is approaching, promising to send four astronauts around the moon next year. Scientists recently released a study revealing how the Orion spacecraft will protect the crew from space radiation during this journey. To better understand this, dummies were sent on a previous mission to test the effectiveness of the ship’s protection systems.

The data revealed is based on the Artemis 1 mission, a 25-day mission that took place in late 2022. The Orion capsule traveled around the moon and returned to Earth without a crew, but with dummies monitoring radiation exposure. These models provided valuable insights into the space environment that future astronauts will encounter.

During the Artemis I mission, a mannequin trunks was called upon. Helga and Zohar They were used to test radiation levels. The models were made from materials that mimic human tissue and equipped with radiation detectors. The data showed that the spacecraft’s shielding technology was effective in mitigating radiation, a major advance for the safety of future manned missions to the moon.

How does NASA deal with space radiation?

NASA has been studying the effects of space radiation on human health for decades, starting with the first manned missions in the 1960s, and for future missions into deep space, astronauts will need well-protected spacecraft and protective suits, as they will be far from the natural protection provided by the Earth’s magnetic field.

Orion’s sensors captured continuous radiation data during the flight to the Moon and back. This is innovative, because during the Apollo missions, data was not collected continuously. The results showed large variations in radiation exposure inside the spacecraft depending on the location of the detectors.

The crucial point that was identified was Storm Shelter From Orion. As the spacecraft passed through the Van Allen belts, this area provided four times more protection than less protected areas. This ensured that radiation levels remained safe for astronauts, preventing acute radiation sickness.

• Effective protection against space weather events
• Radiation reduced by 50% during rotation maneuvers.
• Shelter design change for Artemis II

Planning the Artemis II mission

For the Artemis II mission, scheduled for next year, NASA has made significant modifications to the storm shelter design. The crew will attach supplies to the less protected wall, creating more cabin space while still providing adequate protection. It will be interesting to see how these modifications will behave in a real space environment.

Astronauts Red Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen They are currently undergoing intensive training in Iceland. They will travel beyond the far side of the moon, collecting images of the lunar surface. The Artemis II mission plans to carry the first African-American women astronauts to the satellite in 2026.

With advances in protection technologies and NASA’s continued careful planning, the Artemis II mission promises to be a milestone in space exploration and the safety of future human missions to the Moon and beyond.