Houston, we have another problem: Study shows space travel is harmful to brain

[Ellirium113]

The researchers studied the impact of a particular form of radiation called high-mass, high-charged (HZE) particles. These particles – which are propelled through space at very high speeds by the force of exploding stars – come in many different forms. For this study the researcher chose iron particles. Unlikely hydrogen protons, which are produced by solar flares, the mass of HZE particles like iron, combined with their speed, enable them to penetrate solid objects such as the wall and protective shielding of a spacecraft.

"Because iron particles pack a bigger wallop it is extremely difficult from an engineering perspective to effectively shield against them," said O'Banion. "One would have to essentially wrap a spacecraft in a six-foot block of lead or concrete."

http://phys.org/news/2012-12-houston-problem-space-brain.html



John, what about that "D.D" metal NASA used in the past? was that not supposed to be the answer?

[zorgon]

ACTIVE SHIELDING CONCEPTS FOR THE IONIZING RADIATION IN SPACE

1964

Contract NASw-502 Final Report Rev. 31 Jan. 1964
Space Sciences Laboratory
Missile and Space Division
GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
Philadelphia, Pa.

http://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/19640021638_1964021638.pdf