On the ISS, astronauts still sleep behind a thin aluminum wall. Their only additional protection consists of bulky eight-centimeter curtains that take up half of the already cramped cabin and block only neutrons. According to researchers, these curtains offer almost no protection from secondary gamma radiation, protons, or electrons.

A Breakthrough by Belgorod Scientists

At Shukhov Belgorod State Technological University, researchers developed a new-generation polymer composite. The key lies in the technology: radiation-shielding fillers are coated with a special hydrophobic film, which makes it possible, as the team explained, to pack several times more protective particles into the polymer without compromising the material’s mechanical properties.

The result is that, at a thickness of only one centimeter, the new material reduces radiation levels by a factor of 1.5 to 2 and protects against all major types of cosmic radiation, including neutrons, gamma rays, protons, and electrons.

Real Tests on the ISS

From 2022 to 2024, samples of the material were deployed on the Russian segment of the International Space Station. Experiments conducted in open space fully confirmed the laboratory calculations. In 2025, the final report was submitted to Roscosmos.

Researchers noted that the new composite is now being officially considered as one of the primary candidates for protecting the crew and electronics of the future Russian Orbital Station. In addition to directly shielding astronauts, it would allow engineers to stop relying on extremely expensive radiation-resistant microchips and instead use standard industrial chips, generating savings measured in billions.

Summary

Scientists at Shukhov BSTU created a lightweight polymer composite one centimeter thick that cuts cosmic radiation by a factor of 1.5 to 2 and shields against all major types of radiation. The material has passed flight tests on the ISS and is already being considered by Roscosmos for the Russian Orbital Station. Experts emphasized that it could become one of Russia’s key technological advantages in long-duration space missions.