Micrometeoroid Protection
Micrometeoroid protection refers to the measures taken to shield spacecraft and astronauts from tiny particles traveling at high speeds in space. These particles, known as micrometeoroids, can originate from comets, asteroids, or even artificial debris. Due to their high velocity, even small micrometeoroids can cause significant damage to spacecraft structures and equipment.
To mitigate this risk, spacecraft are often equipped with specialized shielding materials, such as Kevlar or aluminum, designed to absorb and disperse the energy of impacts. Additionally, mission planners may choose flight paths that minimize exposure to known micrometeoroid fields, enhancing the safety of missions to destinations like the Moon or Mars.