Smithsonian Displays Astronaut Radiation Protection Vest
The At Home in Space exhibit features the StemRad protective gear used by astronauts on the International Space Station.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Space
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The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum now displays the AstroRad vest, a device engineered to protect astronauts from ionizing radiation during solar storms. This equipment was previously worn by four female U.S. astronauts and one Israeli private astronaut while aboard the International Space Station.
Why it matters
As human spaceflight moves toward longer missions, shielding crews from dangerous solar radiation remains a primary challenge for researchers and engineers. This display highlights the practical technology developed to ensure safety for those operating beyond Earth's protective atmosphere.
StemRad secured a $4.5 million agreement with the U.S. Department of Defense in 2023 to develop 360-degree gamma-shielding gear for National Guard members. The company, founded in 2011, designs this technology to mitigate radiation exposure.
The players
StemRad
This company develops personal protection technology to shield people from ionizing radiation.
Lockheed Martin
This global aerospace and defense firm collaborated on the design and engineering of the radiation vest.
The details
Developed by StemRad in collaboration with Lockheed Martin, the AstroRad vest utilizes specialized gamma-shielding technology to safeguard users. A similar unit used during the Artemis I mission is also housed at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
Timeline
The StemRad company was founded in 2011.
The defense contract was secured in 2023.
The vest went on display at the Smithsonian on October 30, 2026.
The Big Picture
The inclusion of this technology in a national museum marks a shift in focus from short-term flight tests to long-duration human habitability standards. The display of this gear follows a pattern set by the Artemis I mission to test long-term hardware survival in deep space.
The radiation shielding technology currently protecting astronauts has direct implications for terrestrial emergency response gear used by the National Guard. Future iterations of this 360-degree gamma-shielding may improve personal protective equipment for hazardous environments on Earth.
The takeaway
Advancements in shielding technology serve as a critical bridge between laboratory research and safe long-duration exploration. Readers interested in STEM careers can observe these exhibits to understand how current engineering challenges are being solved for future deep-space travel.
Further reading
For more information on current aerospace developments, visit the Space section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Jewish News Syndicate.
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