An international team of researchers from Greece and the United States has found materials that could effectively protect participants in Mars missions from harmful cosmic radiation. The results of the study were published in the scientific journal The European Physical Journal Plus (TEPJP).

Unlike Earth, Mars does not have a dense atmosphere or magnetic field, which exposes people on its surface to dangerous cosmic radiation. To find suitable protective materials, the scientists used computer modeling based on data obtained by NASA's Curiosity rover to test various standard and new materials in conditions simulating the Martian environment.

The study found that composites based on plastic, rubber, and synthetic fibers reflect cosmic radiation most effectively. In addition, Martian regolith is able to absorb some of the radiation. Aluminum also proved useful in combination with materials with a low atomic number.

The study's authors noted that the tests were specifically conducted in conditions as close as possible to those on Mars, which allows the results obtained to be used for future missions and to optimize the combination of modern materials with the natural resources of Mars.