On 24.06.2024, Liliia Turovska, a Researcher at the Centre for Collective Use of Scientific Equipment “Laboratory of Nanotechnologies for Materials Science, Energy, and Medicine” and Associate Professor, delivered a lecture titled “Radiation and Space: Challenges and Perspectives” as part of the UNIVERSEH 2.0. Extended for Ukraine project.
Radiation in space is one of the most significant challenges for space exploration and long-term space settlement, posing unique risks to human health and technological systems. Addressing these risks requires a comprehensive understanding and innovative solutions to mitigate the effects of space radiation.
The lecture covered the main types of radiation (galactic cosmic rays and solar radiation), radiation traps, risks to astronauts’ health, and the impact on spacecraft electronics and materials. It emphasized the need to minimize exposure when planning missions, such as avoiding periods of high solar activity, creating anti-radiation shelters and designing spacecraft with optimal protective materials, investigating magnetic and plasma shields to deflect charged particles by imitating the Earth’s magnetosphere, and developing medicines to reduce radiation damage, including antioxidants and radioprotectors. 
