23. How would we be protected from radiation and from UV rays? (A K2S Question)

From The Space Library

Flights out of Earth orbit to other solar planets and beyond to deep space will require shielding to protect the crew from radiation. The aluminum crew compartment structure could be supplemented with polyethylene blankets and possibly lead sheets to reduce crew exposure. (Obviously, the use of lead would be limited by its weight.) The entire crew compartment could be surrounded by propellant tanks to further shield it from radiation. In addition, protective crew suits could be worn during high exposure periods. Finally, NASA is sponsoring research to develop new materials for radiation-shielding in the spacecraft. (Ref. 4)

Ref 4.Dicello J.F. and Gucinotta, F.A. Space Radiation. In Encyclopedia of Space Science and Technology, Vol. II, Ed. by Hans Mark, Wiley-Interscience, John Wiley and Sons, Hoboken, N.J., 2003.

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Answer provided by Jon H. Brown

Question and Answer extracted from the book Kids to Space - by Lonnie Schorer

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