Cutting-edge Approaches to Protecting Interplanetary Astronauts

As if extremes of temperature and lack of air weren’t enough! Some scientists believe it’s space radiation that will keep humans from venturing deep into our solar system. Not so, say three teams of NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC)-funded researchers. Each is exploring a cutting-edge approach to protecting astronauts on their way to Mars and other destinations. Emily Lakdawalla proudly announces the new Planetary Society website, while Bruce Betts and Mat Kaplan look to the sky in our What’s Up segment as they announce a new space trivia contest. Bill Nye is away.

Related Information

• Neutron and Ultraviolet Radiation Shielding Films (PDF)
• NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC)
• The Planetary Society’s Redesigned Website

Trivia Contest

This week's prize is a Planetary Radio T-shirt.

This week's question:
How many independent flights did shuttle Enterprise make? That is, tests for which it was separated from the carrier aircraft.

To submit your answer:
Send an email no later than Monday, May 7, at 2 pm Pacific time to [email protected] containing:

Last week's question:
What were the first types of amphibians in space, and what year did it or they launch?

Answer:
Coming soon in next week's show!

Question from the week before:
What is unusual about the tail section of the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft as compared to a regular 747?

Answer:
Vertical stabilizers were added to the tail.