Why Scientists Predict Starman’s Roadster Will Be Torn Apart by Radiation Within a Year
In February 2018, SpaceX launched its Falcon Heavy rocket, carrying an unusual payload: a Tesla Roadster with a mannequin named Starman at the wheel. The Roadster, now in a heliocentric orbit, is expected to be torn apart by radiation within a year. This prediction has raised questions about the durability of spacecraft and the effects of space radiation. In this article, we will explore why scientists believe Starman’s Roadster will be destroyed and how we manage to send probes to Mars without suffering the same fate.
The Impact of Space Radiation on Starman’s Roadster
Space is filled with high-energy particles, known as cosmic rays, which originate from the sun and other celestial bodies. These particles can cause significant damage to materials and electronics, particularly over extended periods of time. Starman’s Roadster, being a car designed for Earth conditions, is not built to withstand this harsh environment.
Scientists predict that the car’s organic materials, such as its leather seats and rubber tires, will be the first to go. The intense radiation will break down these materials at a molecular level, causing them to disintegrate. The car’s metal frame will last longer, but it too will eventually succumb to the effects of radiation.
How Space Probes Survive the Harsh Space Environment
So, how do we send probes to Mars and other planets without them being torn apart by radiation? The answer lies in careful design and material selection.
Spacecraft are built using materials that are resistant to radiation. These include certain types of metal alloys and composite materials.
Electronics and other sensitive components are shielded to protect them from radiation. This can be achieved through physical barriers, such as lead shielding, or through the use of radiation-hardened electronics.
Spacecraft are designed to be self-repairing to some extent. For example, they may have redundant systems that can take over if the primary system fails.
Why Didn’t SpaceX Protect the Roadster?
The simple answer is that the Roadster was never intended to be a functional spacecraft. It was a demonstration payload, used to test the Falcon Heavy’s ability to launch a large mass to a high-speed orbit. Protecting the car from radiation would have added complexity and cost to a mission that was already highly ambitious.
In conclusion, while Starman’s Roadster may not survive its journey through space, its fate provides valuable insights into the challenges of space travel. It serves as a reminder of the harsh conditions that exist beyond our planet’s protective atmosphere and the engineering ingenuity required to overcome them.