Palak Patel, a Ph.D. researcher in MIT necstlab (PI: Prof. Brian Wardle), had the exciting opportunity to integrate her radiation shielding samples onto a panel destined for the International Space Station. This milestone is part of the Materials International Space Station Experiments (MISSE) program, in collaboration with Aegis Aerospace Inc.
Supported by the NASA NSTGRO fellowship (mentor: Dr. Valerie Wiesner), Palak’s research focuses on developing and testing novel carbon nanotube and boron nitride nanotube (BNNT) nanocomposites. These advanced materials are designed to serve as lightweight, effective radiation shielding-critical for protecting astronauts from ionizing space radiation in future spacecraft, spacesuits, and lunar habitats. We extend our sincere thanks to Jamielyn Jarvis and Jeff Buell at Aegis Aerospace for their warm welcome and for providing a behind-the-scenes look at their impressive facilities. We look forward to following the journey of these samples on the ISS and to the new insights they will bring to the field of human spaceflight and space radiation protection.
