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Space

Astronauts could hitch a ride on asteroids to get to Venus or Mars

Asteroids that regularly fly between Earth, Venus and Mars could provide radiation shielding for human missions to explore neighbouring planets

By Jonathan O’Callaghan

29 October 2024

Asteroids that pass close to Earth could carry a spaceship to other worlds

James Blake/Falklands Maritime Heritage Trust

Astronauts could travel to Mars and Venus by hitching a ride on asteroids, burying under the surface to protect themselves from radiation.

High levels of harmful radiation from the sun and galactic cosmic rays would be a major concern for humans making long journeys beyond Earth’s protective magnetic field.

“Going to Mars and coming back again is going to double or triple the amount of time…

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