“Put on caps for everyone”: the scientist spoke about the developed brain protection for astronauts

Radiation safety specialist at the Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences shared the idea of ​​counteracting proton events in space

Polyethylene or composite “caps” to protect the brain from radiation may appear in the future for cosmonauts of the Russian orbital station ROSS, which will operate in high-latitude orbit. Vyacheslav Shurshakov, Head of the Department of Radiation Safety of Manned Space Flights of the Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, announced this on Tuesday at the Science Cafe.

According to him, even now astronauts periodically hide from solar emissions, the so-called proton events, behind special curtains. But with a new station orbit inclination of 98 degrees (the ISS flies with an inclination of 51.6 degrees), there will be more such events and they can have much more serious consequences for the health of astronauts. Therefore, scientists are thinking about strengthening the radiation protection of crew members, including local protection of a critical organ – the brain.

One of the options, according to Shurshakov, could be a “cap” made of polyethylene, a composite material, or a combination of both.

“If a proton event occurs, the radiation situation worsens, on the recommendation of our service, the cosmonauts will be given the command: “Put on caps!”,” said the specialist at the Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences.