Space-Flown AstroRad Vest to Join Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Collection

A New Addition to Space History

A radiation protection vest that has seen extensive service aboard the International Space Station (ISS) is set to be featured in the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. The AstroRad vest, developed by StemRad, will be housed in the 'At Home in Space' gallery in Washington, D.C., marking its transition from an active operational tool to a historical artifact.

Practical Evaluations in Orbit

During its time on the ISS, the vest was worn by five space travelers, including four American astronauts and one private Israeli astronaut. The unit was used during routine daily tasks and sleep cycles to evaluate:

• Overall comfort during extended wear.
• Practicality of design in a microgravity environment.
• Operational effectiveness for long-duration missions.

Scientific Context and Future Exploration

The exhibition of this vest coincides with recent data published in *Science Advances* regarding NASA's Artemis I mission. Research findings suggest that the AstroRad technology can significantly reduce radiation exposure during solar storms. For example, simulations based on the August 1972 solar event indicated a 60% reduction in radiation dosage, which is equivalent to approximately 1,200 chest X-rays.

Another vest, which traveled around the Moon during the Artemis I mission, remains on display at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Together, these two artifacts illustrate the technological progression required to protect humans during deep-space travel to the Moon and Mars.

About the Development

StemRad developed the technology in partnership with Lockheed Martin to mitigate the risks associated with ionizing radiation in space. The company continues to specialize in personal protection equipment for both aerospace and terrestrial emergency defense applications. Interested parties can verify specific exhibit opening dates and gallery schedules through the official Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum website.