An exploration of the effectiveness of artificial mini-magnetospheres as a potential Solar Storm shelter for long term human space missions

In this paper we explore the effectiveness of an artificial mini-magnetosphere as a potential radiation shelter for long term human space missions. Our study includes the differences that the plasma environment makes to the efficiency of the shielding from the high energy charged particle component...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:arXiv.org 2014-06
Main Authors: Bamford, Ruth, Kellett, Barry, Bradford, John, Todd, Tom N, Stafford-Allen, Robin, Alves, E Paulo, Silva, Luis, Collingwood, Cheryl, Crawford, Ian A, Bingham, Robert
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Bombardment
Charged particles
Computer simulation
Cosmic rays
Electromagnetic fields
Electrostatic shielding
Interplanetary space
Lunar surface
Magnetic fields
Magnetic shielding
Magnetospheres
Moon
Radiation protection
Regolith
Solar protons
Solar radiation shielding
Solar storms
Solar wind
Space missions
Spacecraft shielding
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:In this paper we explore the effectiveness of an artificial mini-magnetosphere as a potential radiation shelter for long term human space missions. Our study includes the differences that the plasma environment makes to the efficiency of the shielding from the high energy charged particle component of solar and cosmic rays, which radically alters the power requirements. The incoming electrostatic charges are shielded by fields supported by the self captured environmental plasma of the solar wind, potentially augmented with additional density. The artificial magnetic field generated on board acts as the means of confinement and control. Evidence for similar behaviour of electromagnetic fields and ionised particles in interplanetary space can be gained by the example of the enhanced shielding effectiveness of naturally occurring "mini-magnetospheres" on the moon. The shielding effect of surface magnetic fields of the order of ~100s nanoTesla is sufficient to provide effective shielding from solar proton bombardment that culminate in visible discolouration of the lunar regolith known as "lunar swirls". Supporting evidence comes from theory, laboratory experiments and computer simulations that have been obtained on this topic. The result of this work is, hopefully, to provide the tools for a more realistic estimation of the resources versus effectiveness and risk that spacecraft engineers need to work with in designing radiation protection for long-duration human space missions.
ISSN:2331-8422
DOI:10.48550/arxiv.1406.1159