Researchers 3D Print Hydrogels to Protect Astronauts from Radiation

Space is an extreme environment where dangers abound, and radiation is one of them. During space missions, astronauts and their equipment are exposed to much higher radiation than on Earth. Without appropriate protection, the equipment could malfunction. As for astronauts, prolonged exposure to this radiation could have serious health consequences. This is why protection against radiation is a major challenge for space exploration.

Faced with the challenge of space radiation, researchers at Ghent University in Belgium are studying a solution: 3D printed hydrogels. These materials, known for retaining large quantities of water, could become powerful shields against cosmic radiation. But what are hydrogels? How can they block radiation? We explain it all in this article.

A 3D printed hydrogel astronaut and space shuttle.

Protecting Astronauts from Radiation

When we think of space, we often imagine a complete vacuum, but this is not the case. In reality, space is filled with energetic particles moving at speeds close to the speed of light. These particles originate mainly from the Sun. Recent studies have revealed that water may offer effective protection against radiation, thanks to its ability to slow down radiation particles. Its density and hydrogen concentration make it particularly suitable for this purpose. However, implementing a system using water to block radiation presents a number of challenges. Adding large water tanks to spacesuits could impede astronauts’ movements. What’s more, if the water is not well distributed, the protection would be insufficient, and in the event of a leak, it could damage electronic equipment.