LIP studies space radiation relevant to future lunar and Mars missions
"In the context of the Artemis programme, LIP is developing models that help estimate radiation exposure in future missions to the Moon and Mars."
Earthset observed from Artemis II. Credit: NASA.
For the first time in more than 50 years, four astronauts aboard NASA’s Artemis II mission are flying around the Moon, marking a historic moment in space exploration. The images already released - of the lunar surface, the far side of the Moon, and solar eclipses - are capturing public attention around the world and underscoring the importance of better understanding the challenges associated with future crewed missions, namely exposure to space radiation.
It is in this context that the work carried out by LIP takes on particular relevance. The European Space Agency (ESA) plays a central role in the return to the Moon through the European Service Module, which provides power, propulsion, and essential support to the Orion spacecraft. LIP is part of this international effort through the development of the lunar radiation model, created for ESA with the support of the Portuguese Space Agency. This model makes it possible to estimate the radiation doses to which astronauts may be exposed on the lunar surface and to assess the effectiveness of protective shelters. LIP has also developed a similar model for studying radiation on missions to Mars.
Solar particles interacting with the lunar surface (illustration adapted from NASA imagery).
LIP’s contribution extends to instrumentation and data analysis in (inter)planetary missions. The institute leads the operations and data analysis of the radiation monitor saboard the JUICE mission, and BepiColombo mission, flying to Jupiter and Mercury, respectively. These instruments are essential for characterising the radiation environment in the Solar System and improving our understanding of the risks it poses, both to astronauts and to electronic systems in future exploration missions. During Artemis II, BepiColombo is in a privileged position between the Earth and the Sun, making it possible to collect valuable information about the space weather conditions close to the Sun, including proton and electron fluxes, which may have a direct impact on crew safety and on the performance of electronic systems.
Built in Portugal, the JUICE and BepiColombo radiation monitors, are a clear example of the country’s scientific and technological capabilities in strategic areas of space exploration. Through this work, LIP is strengthening Portugal’s presence in international missions and helping make the next generation of missions to the Moon, Mars and other destinations in the Solar System safer.
Relative position of Earth and several space missions in the Solar System at the time of the Artemis II launch. Credit: Solar-MACH.