Can Non-Rigid Spacesuits Provide Adequate Protection for Space Travel?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the feasibility of non-rigid spacesuits for space travel, particularly their ability to protect against hazards such as radiation and micrometeoroids. Participants noted that while low atomic number materials can provide some protection from protons and alpha particles, these are less of a concern in low Earth orbit. Instead, X-rays, gamma rays, and micrometeoroids pose significant risks, necessitating the use of dense materials for effective shielding. Historical references to early non-rigid spacesuits were made, highlighting their potential but also their limitations in current space environments.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of radiation types: protons, alpha particles, X-rays, and gamma rays.
  • Familiarity with materials science, particularly regarding low atomic number materials.
  • Knowledge of spacesuit design and historical evolution, including early non-rigid suits.
  • Awareness of space environment hazards, especially in low Earth orbit.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the MIT biosuit and its design principles for future spacesuit technology.
  • Explore the properties of low atomic number materials in radiation shielding applications.
  • Investigate the impact of micrometeoroids on spacesuit integrity and potential protective measures.
  • Learn about current spacesuit technologies and their limitations in protecting against X-rays and gamma rays.
USEFUL FOR

Aerospace engineers, materials scientists, space mission planners, and anyone involved in the design and development of spacesuit technology.

GTOM
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http://content.time.com/time/specials/2007/article/0,28804,1677329_1678408_1678409,00.html

I wonder whether the concept of non rigid spacesuit can be realistic in near future?
Could they offer enough protection from hazards like radiation and micrometeors too? If not enough, could we solve theese issues with additional layer of flexible materials, kevlar, heavy water bags?
I read that low atomic number materials actually offer more protection from protons, alpha particles, and theese heavier particles can be the most dangerous to humans, if they reach the flesh.
 
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GTOM said:
I read that low atomic number materials actually offer more protection from protons, alpha particles, and theese heavier particles can be the most dangerous to humans, if they reach the flesh.

Yes, but you are not likely to find many alpha particles in orbit. They don't travel far from the source before gaining free electrons and becoming stable helium atoms.
Protons are common in the region outside the Earths magnetic field ... they get trapped by the magnet field and result in the aurorae.
But they are not so common in low Earth orbit because of that.
X-rays, Gamma rays and your mentioned micro-meteroids would be the biggest hazards. All 3 require dense materials to stop themDave
 

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