Shielding
Shielding refers to the use of materials or structures to protect spacecraft and their occupants from the harmful effects of space radiation and other forms of space weather. Spacecraft shielding can take many forms, including passive shielding, such as thick walls or layers of radiation-absorbing materials, and active shielding, such as magnetic fields or plasma shields. Shielding is an essential aspect of spacecraft design, as exposure to space radiation can cause a range of health problems for astronauts, including cancer, cataracts, and damage to the central nervous system. In addition to protecting astronauts, shielding is also important for protecting sensitive electronic equipment on spacecraft, which can be damaged by radiation. Shielding requirements vary depending on the mission and the type of spacecraft, and must be carefully balanced against other design considerations, such as weight and cost.
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