Active electro-magnetic radiation shield
- Paper number
IAC-06-C2.6.03
- Author
Mr. Stuart Allan, Kingston University, United Kingdom
- Year
2006
- Abstract
Traversing the depths of space can be a perilous undertaking, both for an unmanned space probe or manned craft, specifically with respect to solar and cosmic radiation. Radiation can corrupt the integrated circuitry of the on board systems as well as damage the cells of living tissue. The Earths natural magnetosphere assumes a protective function for its inhabitants. But flight further afield requires artificial resources to achieve the same effect, such as to the moon or mars, bodies that do not have a naturally occurring magnetosphere. A thick hull of conventional dense materials is inhibitive to space exploration due to both cost and the impracticality of launching such heavy material. Similarly, the installation of a safe room, although cost effective, would severely restrict the working ability of the astronauts and would fail to provide protection for the onboard electronics. Ideally a spacecraft should create its own magnetosphere adjustable in terms of intensity in times of increased solar activity. This would be far more cost effective and efficient to launch into orbit and have a greater use to a long duration deep space missions. Key enabling technologies to be researched for this protection method include; • Super conductors to generate the magnetic field and there design for maximum control of the fields’ orientation. • Nuclear power plant to power the super conductor field generators due to the high power consumption of these devices. • Radiation detectors to identify when the shield will have to be adjusted to compensate for such events as a solar flare. Two design considerations must be taken into account. The first of these is the field composition. Defence from both positively and negatively charged particles, taking care not to leave points of weakness where these particles may pass through. Secondly, the space craft itself must be taken into to maintain the field outside of the hull to protect the electronic systems from the magnetic fields generated. If such technologies could be developed and refined it could be applied to other areas of space exploration, such as on manned rovers (to protect the crew over long exploratory missions on the surface of the moon or mars) and even proposed manned bases. It could even potentially b a method of propulsion for a plasma sail. Because of the containment of plasma within the field can be acted upon by the solar wind.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-06-C2.6.03.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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