The latest advancement in astronaut safety, the AstroRad vest, has been showcased in the newest edition of Upward, the International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory’s official magazine. This new wearable technology, developed in collaboration between StemRad and Lockheed Martin, is designed to protect astronauts from harmful solar radiation on deep-space missions.
During its development, the vest underwent rigorous testing at the ISS National Lab, which has led to substantial improvements in both its design and functionality. NASA astronaut Kayla Barron, who tested the vest aboard the space station, praised its ability to balance protection with mobility, likening it to “a gravity blanket in space.”
The vest utilizes high-density polymers tailored to shield vital organs most at risk from radiation, thereby mitigating potential risks of cancer and radiation sickness. These enhancements stem from valuable insights gained during the ISS National Lab-sponsored investigations, which enabled StemRad and its partners to refine the vest’s ergonomics significantly.
Oren Milstein, CEO of StemRad, emphasized the critical role of the microgravity environment in testing the vest, stating, “It allowed us to evaluate the vest under actual space conditions and set the stage for further collaborative tests to enhance the concept.”
The development process, referred to by Kat Coderre, deputy manager for deep space exploration advanced programs at Lockheed Martin, as a “vest saga,” involved extensive collaboration. The feedback obtained through the ISS National Lab was instrumental in refining the design for prolonged use during solar particle events.
Moreover, the vest was tested during the Artemis I mission, further solidifying its role in the future of human space exploration. The AstroRad vest represents a significant breakthrough in ensuring astronaut safety, marking a pivotal step forward in the quest for deeper space exploration.
