Magneto-Ionization Spacecraft Shield For Interplanetary Travel

Magneto-Ionization Spacecraft Shield For Interplanetary Travel (MISSFIT) is a student-led research collaboration seeking to solve some of the primary problems regarding long-term space travel: radiation exposure and artificial gravity. We propose using an intense magnetic field in tandem with chambers of ionizing gas to attenuate harmful radiation before it can enter the craft, similar to the Earth's own magnetic field and ionosphere. To test the validity of this concept, we developed a relativistic Monte Carlo trajectory model wherein massive ions interact with a static magnetic field and ionizing gas. Our results indicate that high-energy ions will be deflected by the magnetic field whereas lower-energy ions will spiral around the field lines until their energy is dissipated, as expected. Using data compiled from the many space probes, we can make reasonable predictions about the efficacy of this solution to radiation exposure during extended periods in interplanetary space. To alleviate problem of absence of gravity on the organism we also propose methods to create artificial gravity by rotation or angular oscillations. This is also related to the size of the craft, therefore, the magnetic field used. We study the effects of the induced artificial gravity gradient on the cardiovascular system by means of the Navier-Stokes equations.