Space Math III — Problem 25, Introduction to Radiation Shielding

Students calculate the amount of shielding a new satellite needs to replace the European Space Agency’s Infrared Space Observatory research satellite. Students use a graph of the wall thickness versus dosage and determine how thick the walls of a hollow cubical satellite have to be to reduce the radiation exposure of its electronics. Students calculate the mass of the satellite and the cost savings by using different shielding. A one-page teacher guide accompanies the one-page assignment.
Problem 25, Introduction to Radiation Shielding  [197KB PDF file]
This mathematics problem is part of Space Math III.