Canadian Nuclear Laboratories

Published purpose

Protection of crew and equipment from space radiation (i.e., galactic cosmic radiation (GCR), solar particle events (SPEs), and neutrons generated from the interactions of the GCR and SPEs with the intervening materials) is key to successful space missions. Exposure protection and management in space is more complicated than terrestrial applications such as nuclear reactors. This is due to difficulties in defining and controlling distances from the source, the larger and higher energy radiation, variation of space radiation with time, and secondary radiation. A further unique challenge for space shielding is the limit on the overall mass load of the spacecraft (e.g., difficulty of propulsion and overall cost). This project proposes to develop and test multifunctional nanomaterials that are lightweight, resistant against very high temperatures and can withstand mechanical loading and determine their properties under various radiation conditions. Such shielding materials can also benefit nuclear energy and nuclear medicine applications.