Researchers at JINR Develop Protective Gear for Space Radiation at High-Latitude Missions
Scientists at the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research are collaborating with the Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences to design helmets and vests that shield astronauts against space radiation. The protective gear is being developed for missions to the ROSS orbital station, according to information received from JINR via socialbites.ca.
ROSS aims to begin operations in 2027 or 2028 and would mark the first space outpost in a high-latitude orbit. This vantage would allow observers to monitor the vast expanse of Russia, including the Northern Sea Route. Yet the chosen orbit comes with elevated radiation levels, leading to visits by the RBSS without permanent settlements. The increased radiation risk drives the need for specialized protective equipment for crew members.
Vyacheslav Shurshakov, head of the radiation safety department for manned spaceflight at the Institute of Biomedical Problems, notes that Galactic radiation contains heavy nuclei that can potentially affect cognitive function if they pass through brain tissue. He emphasizes that safeguarding the head and torso is vital for astronaut reliability during demanding space missions. The team is evaluating material choices, protection thickness, and scheduling such that gear use aligns with daily cycles, including sleep periods, to balance safety and comfort in space conditions.
Protection concepts are being explored by multiple scientific and technological organizations around the world involved in space exploration. The Russian prototypes will undergo testing for radiation resistance using facilities at the NICA collider, a facility known for high-energy physics research. These tests aim to validate the durability and effectiveness of the first protective elements before any potential real-world deployment in future high-latitude orbital operations.
In this line of work, researchers are pursuing a practical approach to shielding that minimizes weight while maximizing protection for vital regions. The ongoing studies consider how different materials perform under cosmic ray exposure and how protective layers interact with the suit’s mobility and comfort. The results are expected to contribute to safer long-duration missions, enabling astronauts to carry out sensitive tasks with reduced risk from ambient space radiation. Researchers also explore how the timing of gear use may affect crew performance during various phases of a mission, including rest periods and active operation windows. The overarching objective is to ensure that protective gear supports robust cognitive and physical performance throughout extended space tasks. The collaboration highlights how international scientific teams combine expertise in materials science, radiation physics, and human factors to advance astronaut safety during ambitious orbital ventures.
Sources and attributions: information from JINR and IMBP participants, with context provided by the cited research teams and testing facilities in high-energy physics environments.