Recreating Space Radiation to Test Cabins for Space Missions
Researchers at the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research are advancing safety tests for future space habitats by using the NICA collider to simulate cosmic radiation. The work focuses on two new composite materials intended for crew cabins aboard the International Space Station. The study spanned several days with collaboration from specialists at the Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The findings were shared with researchers at JINR through the project’s internal communications channel.
Radiation levels aboard the International Space Station remain very high, far exceeding typical ground background values. Even during quiet periods without solar activity or scheduled spacewalks, astronauts are subjected to substantial radiation exposure. This reality underscores the need for better protective measures inside the living and working compartments of the station.
Experts have observed in recent years that the cabins where crew members spend most of their time may have weaker shielding compared with other areas of the ISS. Addressing this gap is crucial for long duration missions and the overall safety of crew members.
At the NICA collider, researchers exposed two composite materials labeled as Material 1 and Material 2 to radiation. The exact compositions of the materials were kept confidential during the tests. The ability to reproduce the high energy particle environment seen in space allows for realistic assessment of material performance under cosmic ray bombardment.
Before the experiments began, scientists anticipated the arrival of a beam with energies reaching up to a few GeV per nucleon. Such energies are necessary because they produce particle streams that resemble cosmic rays, including carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, iron, xenon and other elements. Vyacheslav Shurshakov, who leads the radiation safety unit for human spaceflight at IMBP RAS, described NICA as a practical simulator for space radiation. The simulator provides insight into how spacecraft crews and their protective systems respond to actual cosmic ray exposure.
Following the irradiation sessions, researchers outlined a program of subsequent studies. Activation analysis will be performed on the irradiated samples to determine how components of the materials respond to heavy ion exposure and the resulting changes in their behavior. The team will also assess structural changes within the two materials to understand long term durability and shielding effectiveness in a space environment. These future evaluations are aimed at validating the suitability of the materials for potential use in crew habitats on missions beyond low Earth orbit. The work represents a coordinated effort to translate laboratory radiation testing into actionable design improvements for space missions. The broader goal is to enhance crew protection by improving cabin shielding and materials performance under realistic cosmic radiation conditions. The results will contribute to ongoing discussions about safer, more robust living spaces for astronauts during extended expeditions and deep space travel, with findings attributed to the JINR and IMBP collaboration and the researchers involved at both institutions.