Subscribe now
Illustration of Mars being bombarded with solar radiation

Mars astronauts would get unsafe radiation doses even with shielding

12 August 2022

Simulations show that a 1000-day mission to Mars would expose astronauts to radiation doses above 1 sievert, even with metal shielding
Mould from Chernobyl nuclear reactor tested as radiation shield on ISS

Mould from Chernobyl nuclear reactor tested as radiation shield on ISS

24 July 2020

A radiation-absorbing fungus discovered in Chernobyl blocked harmful cosmic rays on the International Space Station and may help protect future Mars colonies

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox. We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up
Piano Exit Overlay Banner Mobile Piano Exit Overlay Banner Desktop