this is a common concept in space-craft thought experiments because of the dual-use nature; can shield yourself with a big water balloon essentially at the tip of the space craft to catch all those pesky extra energetic particles that are bombarding you against your fantastically high velocity, while also providing water to grow things in, or whatever.

then neutron activation becomes even more nuanced because it affects not only your craft/infrastructure/armor but your semi-perishable goods.