Long-term space flights still remain a serious challenge for science — the main problem is not technology, but the effect of radiation on the body. Scientists are looking for solutions that will overcome this.
The Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (JINR) participates in space research and studies the effect of cosmic radiation on living organisms. This was announced by the Director of the Institute, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Grigory Trubnikov during the events dedicated to the 70th anniversary of the organization.
According to him, long-term manned missions remain extremely difficult due to the effects of cosmic radiation on the body, including possible oncological and cognitive risks. During flights lasting more than 300–400 days, the load becomes critical, because it is dangerous not only from the point of view of oncological risks, but also affects human cognitive functions.
That is why JINR has been studying the effect of radiation on biological objects for many years. The work is being carried out in two directions at once: scientists are creating lightweight multilayer materials to protect living compartments and are looking for drugs that can help restore DNA after radiation damage.
The projects are being implemented jointly with the FMBA, the Russian Academy of Sciences, as well as JAXA, ESA and NASA.
In addition, JINR scientists participated in the preparation of an experiment with mice that were sent into space on the Bion-M satellite in August–September 2025. Now, specialists, together with colleagues from the Russian Academy of Sciences, are studying cognitive changes in animals that have returned to Earth after the flight.
Trubnikov also recalled the institute's contribution to Mars research and the use of a neutron instrument on Curiosity to study water in the Martian soil.