What shielding is needed to protect an astronaut from the Van Allen belts?

Subject: What shielding is needed to protect an astronaut from the Van Allen belts?

Date: Wed Mar 21 22:53:26 2001
Posted by Dan
Grade level: 10-12 School: Graham High School
City: Graham State/Province: Tx Country: US
Area of science: Physics
ID: 985233206.Ph

Message:


On NASA's trips to the moon it was necessary to pass through the Van Allen 
radiation belts. I have been told that about six foot of lead would be needed 
to shield a human from the effects of the belt. I would like to know if this is 
true, and if so how this was accomplished on a relatively light weight 
spacecraft.

Re: What shielding is needed to protect an astronaut from the Van Allen belts?

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