Vest that US-Israeli startup helped make can cut astronauts’ exposure in solar storms, study suggests

A specialized vest, co-developed by US-Israeli startup AstroRad, shows promise in significantly cutting astronauts' exposure to harmful radiation during solar storms, according to a recent study. The innovative garment, a product of collaboration between StemRad and aerospace giant Lockheed Martin, represents a potential leap forward in astronaut safety for deep space missions.

The vest, named the AstroRad radiation shield, was notably included in NASA's Artemis I mission. It was placed on a manikin named Zohar, which traveled around the moon, demonstrating its readiness for spaceflight applications. This trial run provided valuable data on the vest's effectiveness in a real space environment.

Following its role in the Artemis mission, the AstroRad vest has been recognized for its technological advancement. It is now permanently displayed at a Florida museum, serving as a testament to the pioneering work in protecting astronauts from the hazards of space radiation. The study's findings suggest a more secure future for human exploration beyond Earth.