A team of scientists from the Mars Research Group at NYU Abu Dhabi’s Center for Astrophysics and Space Science have discovered the best materials to protect future human Martian colonists from the deadly effects of cosmic rays.
Unlike Earth, which has a magnetic field and denser atmosphere that reflects and absorbs most of the impact of cosmic rays, Mars’s thin atmosphere and lack of a magnetic field would likely expose any would-be human explorers to lethal amounts of radiation.
Now, a new study using computer simulations combined with actual Mars data has identified the best materials for building future Martian colonies and safe space suits.
“This breakthrough enhances astronaut safety and makes long-term Mars missions a more realistic possibility,” according to Dimitra Atri, the Mars Research Group’s leader and the study’s lead author, in a statement announcing the study.
Protecting Martian Colonists From Cosmic Rays
In their research, the team used advanced computer simulations that accurately simulated the harsh conditions on the Martian surface. The software was able to measure the intensity of cosmic rays.
Following a series of simulations testing the known properties of various common and novel materials, the team found several promising shielding options. Among the most successful were “composite materials such as certain types of plastic, rubber or synthetic fibers,” which the researchers say had a strong shielding effect on cosmic rays, making them “the best shields.”
Additionally, the researchers found that “most widely used aluminum” was highly effective at blocking cosmic rays. According to the study abstract, this widely used aluminum was particularly helpful “when combined with other low atomic number materials.”
Previous studies had targeted Martian regolith, the dirt, and rocks already present on Mars, as a potential shielding material. The new simulations concurred with that theory, with the authors noting that “Martian regolith has an intermediate behavior and therefore could be used as an additional practical option.”
Findings Could Inform The UAE’s Mars 2117 Project
While the research was restricted to simulations, the team says they used actual data about Mars’ in-situ materials, including the regolith previously recorded by NASA’s Curiosity Rover. Combined with the ability to customize the simulations to match actual conditions on Mars, the researchers believe their findings can be particularly useful, especially when planning future missions to the red planet.
“Several materials were specifically tested in a simulated Martian environment, making our results directly applicable to future missions and optimizing the combination of advanced materials with the natural resources available on Mars,” said the study’s lead author, Dionysios Gakis from the University of Patras in Greece.
Atri agreed while highlighting the UAE’s bold plan to set up a colony on Mars near the beginning of the 22nd century.
“It supports the future of human space exploration and potential establishment of human bases on Mars, including the UAE’s Mars 2117 project and its goal of establishing a city on Mars by the year 2117,” the researcher explained.
The study “Modeling the effectiveness of radiation shielding materials for astronaut protection on Mars” was published in the European Physical Journal Plus.
Christopher Plain is a Science Fiction and Fantasy novelist and Head Science Writer at The Debrief. Follow and connect with him on X, learn about his books at plainfiction.com, or email him directly at christopher@thedebrief.org.