​Israel’s Space Agency (ISA) and NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) announced on Tuesday that they were joining forces to protect astronauts in space from radiation exposure, tapping into technology developed by Israeli company StemRad for a radiation protection vest it created, the AstroRad, set to be tested in deep space.

NASA is set to launch the AstroRad into space as part of the last test flight of its Orion spacecraft, with dummies on deck, before manned missions begin. The launch is planned for 2019 and the spacecraft will spend about three weeks in space, including in retrograde orbit around the moon. The trial will involve testing the new protective suit against cosmic gamma rays as part of a feasability study for any future mission to Mars.

The AstroRad suit protects mainly bone marrow, the lungs, chest, stomach, colon, and the ovaries among women, organs which are particularly sensitive to the formation of malignant tumors as a result of exposure to radiation. The suit itself is made out of hydrogen-rich materials and worn like a vest.

The suit was developed following the success of the company’s first product – a special belt that protects the bone marrow in the pelvis – which is commonly worn by “first responders” to radiation accidents around the world. StemRad is collaborating with Lockheed Martin to adapt the suit’s technology to space use.

The agreement with NASA follows an agreement signed a year ago between the ISA and the German Space Agency to test the suitability of the suit to the effects of radiation in deep space and the extent of its absorption by the human body.

Source: NoCamels  and The Jerusalem Post

On April 13, 1985, Space Shuttle Atlantis arrived at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) to be prepped for its maiden flight. Over the following 26 years, Atlantis would go on to launch 33 times - deploying satellites & planetary probes Magellan & Galileo, delivering vital components to the International Space Station, & pioneering the Shuttle-Mir era. In July of 2011, NASA's final shuttle mission was flown by Atlantis (STS-135), marking the end of the Shuttle Era. Today, Atlantis is on full display at the historic Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida.

This year's EPIC Space Coast Yuri's Night party will take place underneath Shuttle Atlantis exactly 33 years to the day since the orbiter arrived at KSC. Come join us on Friday April 13th, 2018, to celebrate this historic spacecraft, the excitement of space exploration, & the anniversary of Yuri Gagarin's monumental flight into orbit.

Dancing Under the Space Shuttle Atlantis

​The evening culminates with an epic dance party under the Space Shuttle Atlantis. We'll be bringing you sick space beats from two Miami-based DJ's past midnight. It is a unique opportunity to party under a national treasure. You are welcome to dress up, costumes encouraged!

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