The FLARE Suit: Development of a Solar Space Radiation Shielding Vest

Abstract

In recent years, radiation shielding for astronauts has become an increasing priority among international space agencies, including the European Space Agency (ESA). As international efforts advance again towards exploration beyond the magnetosphere, the risks posed by Solar Particle Events (SPEs) to crew health resurface, with threats including acute radiation sickness, increased cancer risk, and damage to internal organs.

This thesis, developed at the European Astronaut Centre (EAC), presents the design of the FLARE suit, a personal radiation shielding system for astronauts in microgravity intravehicular environments. The suit uses 36 liters of on-board water and reduces the effective radiation dose by 36 ± 4.5%, with targeted protection for vital organs and a human-centered design. Simulation and accelerator testing demonstrated shielding effectiveness, while astronaut feedback refined its usability and comfort. In final review, FLARE offers a promising solution for radiation protection in future long-duration deep-space missions.

Keywords: Radiation Shielding, Solar Particle Event, Astronaut Protection Suit, Radiation Emergency Scenario, Human-Centered Space Design.