The Flight of Helga and Zohar: How two unique astronaut mannequins helped secure our cosmic future.

The Artemis I mission marked a significant milestone in humanity's exploration of space, examining the effects of radiation beyond Earth's protective magnetic field. What truly made it special was the presence of two specially designed female mannequins aboard the Orion spacecraft, named Helga and Zohar, to analyze the impact of cosmic radiation on the human body. These mannequins, crafted from epoxy resin to mimic human tissue and equipped with advanced radiation sensors, provided crucial data for developing protective measures for future astronauts, reports Nature.

Radiation poses a significant risk to space travelers, stemming from two primary sources: galactic cosmic rays (GCR) and solar particles (SP). GCR, originating from distant supernovae and interstellar processes, consist of high-energy particles that are difficult to shield against and are associated with severe health risks, including cancer and cognitive decline. SP, emanating from solar eruptions, present an immediate threat, which includes acute radiation syndrome that can cause nausea, fatigue, and immune suppression.

The Earth's magnetic field protects life from these dangers, but astronauts venturing beyond low Earth orbit face increased radiation exposure. The pioneering mannequins were outfitted with two types of radiation detectors: passive sensors that accumulated total doses and active sensors that provided real-time radiation data. This allowed scientists to monitor radiation levels throughout the 25-day mission, including in high-radiation zones such as the Van Allen radiation belts, without risking living organisms. These belts consist of trapped particles, with protons predominating in the inner belt and electrons in the outer belt.

If the crossing of the inner belt accounted for 8-15% of the total radiation dose, the outer belt caused minimal exposure due to the lower energy levels of the electrons, researchers found. Their choice of female mannequins was not arbitrary, as addressing knowledge gaps regarding how radiation affects women in space is critically important, especially as female astronauts increasingly participate in space missions. Organs such as the breast are particularly sensitive to radiation, necessitating precise data to support strategies for reducing the risk of cancer development.

This research will also aid future missions involving prolonged stays in outer space, where understanding the targeted effects of radiation and its impact on various body areas will be crucial for the safety of individuals advancing humanity into the future. The dataset obtained from Artemis I represents a significant scientific milestone in our history. It allows researchers to apply the insights gained to future Mars missions, where radiation exposure will be significantly higher. These findings are expected to serve as a foundation for developing spacecraft shielding and individual protective measures to ensure the safety of astronauts embarking on the next great and perilous frontier in space.