Scientists have studied which materials would be best suited to build a base on Mars and concluded that composite materials, aluminum and stone would be the best to protect against radiation, which is the greatest danger on this planet.
Radiation on Mars
Researchers from New York University in Abu Dhabi and the University of Patras in Greece recently published a study in the European Physical Journal Plus. They investigated which materials are best suited to protect astronauts on Mars from cosmic radiation.
In fact, there are enough things on the fourth planet from the Sun that could kill astronauts. These include the low temperatures and low atmospheric pressure, the lack of water and oxygen. However, if we are talking about a long stay on the planet and things that we do not yet know how to do about, cosmic radiation is the biggest problem today.
Mars has virtually no global magnetic field and its atmosphere is very thin and completely devoid of ozone layer. This means that all high-energy particles, whether they come from the sun or are born somewhere in the depths of space, reach the surface unhindered, and if people feel their influence for a long time, they can develop numerous diseases.
Best materials for protection
First, scientists realized that the best way to protect astronauts on Mars is with the new composite materials they have been given for testing. They consist of synthetic fibers embedded in a plastic or rubber matrix. Despite their price, they can be used to build spacesuits, base modules or vehicle bodies.
However, conventional aluminum, which is what most spacecraft are made of today, has also proven to be quite effective. However, it should be used in combination with other low atomic number materials.
Finally, ordinary regolith, the rock that makes up the planet’s surface, also proved to be capable of protecting people from radiation. Of course, you can’t make a spacesuit out of it. But it is quite suitable for covering the base with it.
According to phys.org
