Ask an Explainer

Q:

Are the materials used currently on spaceships more effective or less effective resisting radiation compared to the Apollo flights?

A:

The Apollo 11 mission relied on aluminum and aluminum alloy mostly, but also on a variety of other materials such as kapton tape and gold, to protect from radiation and space. Most modern space craft do not travel more than 300 miles above Earth, and are therefore protected from radiation by the Earth's magnetic field. They do not have to worry about the radiation, and therefore are less protective and effective than the Apollo 11 craft that could not be protected by the Earth. 

Ask an Explainer
Categories: