Space radiation is a mixture of high energy, charged particles that originate from the Sun (and other solar systems), and is often dispersed in solar storms travelling nearly at the speed of light. High levels of Space radiation can cause damage to the human body.

Space radiation is made up of three kinds of radiation: particles trapped in the Earth’s magnetic field; particles shot into space during solar flares (solar particle events); and galactic cosmic rays, which are high-energy protons and heavy ions from outside our solar system.

The MARE project aims to measure the differences between how specific organs in human beings, such as the brain, respond to radiation.

Data returned by the Artemis 1 mission should have an impact on the standard limit of allowable radiation for both male and female astronauts.

Have a read of this NASA document, Why Space Radiation Matters. It’s packed with interesting facts!

Check out the consequences of Space Radiation: Space Radiation is Risky Business for the Human Body