Assessing the efficacy of sustainable and composite materials as shielding solutions for cosmic radiation protection in space missions

The protection of spacecraft, such as the International Space Station (ISS), from space radiation is essential to ensure the safety of both the crew and equipment. This study evaluates the shielding performance of two composite materials, jute/polyester and glass/polyester, against cosmic radiation, with a focus on their ability to mitigate high-energy particles. By investigating cosmic sources such as protons, neutrons, and gamma rays, the study analyzes the materials' effectiveness in reducing radiation exposure and their resistance to particle-induced spallation. Key findings highlight that both materials provide substantial shielding, with jute/polyester offering the added benefit of sustainability. The study also examines the formation of secondary particles and long-lived radionuclides generated during cosmic particle interactions. These results indicate that jute/polyester and glass/polyester composites can serve as effective, lightweight, and potentially eco-friendly shielding solutions for future space missions, including applications in the ISS.