Attenuation of Interplanetary Radiation via Novel Materials

One of the primary concerns with interplanetary travel is the attenuation of radiation while maintaining a light and efficient craft. To begin to address this concern, we compiled a database of measured interplanetary electromagnetic and ionic radiation of solar and cosmic origins from a variety of space probes such as ACE and SOHO. The compiled data will be used as input to a relativistic Monte Carlo particle trajectory model developed to test the efficacy of using a combination of intense magnetic field and ionizing gas to stop or deflect massive ions. However, the magnetic field and gas concept will not effectively attenuate electromagnetic radiation. To this end, we test the radiation attenuation properties of a few novel materials which used as structural elements of the craft and the ionization chambers can reduce the intensity of X-rays and possibly gamma-rays without the need for massive, passive shielding. Measurements on a combination of Nitinol and Demron have shown significant attenuation of X-rays while maintaining desirable elastic properties.