Effectiveness of radiation shields constructed from Martian regolith and different polymers for human habitat on Mars using MULASSIS/GEANT4 and OLTARIS

Abstract

Mars exploration and the possibility of future Martian colonization have generated much interest in recent years. However, several problems make long-term permanence on Mars challenging, one of which is the radiation environment of the red planet. To ensure long-term durability on the Mars surface against the deleterious effects due to radiation, effective radiation shields are compulsory. This paper presents the effectiveness of radiation shields made of Martian regolith and light, hydrogenous polymers to protect astronauts on the Martian surface. Monte Carlo simulations were performed using a Geant4-based tool, Multi-layered shielding simulation software. The shielding properties were studied using low energy charged particle spectra from Mars Science Laboratory–Radiation Assessment Detector and particles (proton, alpha, and iron ions) with energies of 1 GeV/n. On-Line Tool for the Assessment of Radiation in Space (OLTARIS) is used for calculating the effective dose equivalent for the galactic cosmic ray spectra on the Mars surface. Martian regolith with Lithium Hydride (LiH) demonstrated greater efficiency in dose reduction. Based on the OLTARIS study, at 15 g/cm2 (10 g/cm2 Martian regolith with 5 g/cm2 chosen materials), these shields are even better than an aluminum shield of the same dimension.