NASA’s Artemis II mission marks humanity’s first deep-space crewed flight since Apollo 17, exposing four astronauts to intense cosmic rays and solar particles beyond Earth’s protective magnetosphere during its 10-day lunar flyby. Unlike ISS missions shielded in low-Earth orbit, this voyage demands innovative defenses against radiation 50-100 times Earth’s surface levels.
Navigating Van Allen Belts
The crew will traverse the Van Allen belts—two radiation-trapped rings—multiple times during extended high-Earth orbit testing, unlike Apollo’s swift passes. Six active sensors inside Orion and personal dosimeters will monitor exposure in real-time, alerting for solar storms.
Multi-Layered Protection Strategies
Orion’s advanced shielding absorbs high-energy particles; during flares, astronauts shelter in the spacecraft’s center, stacking gear for extra barriers. Optional AstroRad vests shield vital organs like bone marrow and breasts, tested in analogs, keeping total doses within safe career limits.
Mission Outlook
Scheduled amid solar maximum for partial cosmic ray deflection, Artemis II’s calculated risks pave the way for Artemis III lunar landing, with data refining future protections. NASA’s engineering ensures a historic, safe return to the Moon.
