EPJ Plus Highlight - A roadmap for radiation protection in human space exploration

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Published on 10 February 2026

Comprehensive new review outlines the risks posed by space radiation, and the strategies needed to safeguard astronauts on long missions into outer space

Among the many challenges of human space exploration, radiation remains one of the most serious threats to astronaut health. Before the next extended interplanetary voyages, researchers must better understand both the risks posed by space radiation and how they can be mitigated.

In a comprehensive review published in EPJ Plus, a team led by Livio Narici at the University of Rome Tor Vergata examines the complex nature of the space radiation environment, its biological effects, and the latest strategies for risk assessment and mitigation. Drawing together results from lab studies, space missions, and analogue experiments, the team identify key knowledge gaps and propose a detailed roadmap for protecting human health during future missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

Outer space is permeated by high-energy charged particles, originating from distant galactic sources and by sporadic, powerful, radiation events from the sun. While most of this radiation is deflected by Earth’s magnetic field, astronauts travelling beyond this natural shield face far higher exposure. Without robust countermeasures in place, space radiation could present them with innumerable health hazards: including increased risks of cancer, heart disease, and cognitive impairments.

In their study, Narici’s team examine the key properties of the radiation these astronauts will encounter, and how they will interact with spacecraft shielding. In particular, they investigate the combined effects of radiation and microgravity on cellular function; radiation impacts on the plants and microbes which are likely to form integral parts of life support systems; as well as the degradation of food and medicines during extended missions.

The study then assesses a wide range of countermeasures for these risks: including radiation shielding; nutrition programs; artificially induced hibernation; and personalised risk assessments. To evaluate these options, they highlight the importance of both space-based studies, and Earth-based experiments using particle accelerators to replicate the radiation conditions of outer space in controlled experiments. Ultimately, with the help of their roadmap, the team hopes that future missions could be planned with a clearer understanding of radiation risk and resilience.