ZB ZB
Live now
Start time
Playing for
End time
Listen live
Listen to NAME OF STATION
Up next
Listen live on
ZB

Why NASA is sending mannequins into space

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Sun, 8 Dec 2019, 3:21PM
(Photo / 123RF)

Why NASA is sending mannequins into space

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Sun, 8 Dec 2019, 3:21PM

One small step for mannequins, one giant leap for mannequin kind?

NASA will send two dummies into space to orbit the moon next June.

Helga and Zohar will be used to test new equipment designed to protect astronauts from cosmic radiation.

The science educator known as Nanogirl, Michelle Dickson, says that's because the plan is to send the first woman to the moon in 2024.

"Women are very different to men around risks of cancer. Your sending women to the moon or a long term space program, it is not as easy. It's quite restrictive, actually, as we have a lot more risk. We have to be in space for less time."

Dickinson says the amount of radiation the female mannequins are exposed to around vital organ areas will be measured.

LISTEN ABOVE

 

Take your Radio, Podcasts and Music with you