MAGNETO-IONIZATION SPACECRAFT SHIELD FOR INTERPLANETARY TRAVEL

The challenges of lethal radiation, the impact of low gravity on the human body, and the threat of high-velocity micrometeoroids present a significant challenge to a human mission to Mars. The MISSFIT collaboration is a multidisciplinary, student-led collaboration dedicated to addressing these challenges by developing a spacecraft conceptual design tailored to these specific issues. Our approach to mitigating radiation exposure is two-pronged: passive shielding is derived from combinations of materials that attenuate electromagnetic radiation, while active shielding utilizes a magnetic field that can deflect charged particles or direct them into bubbles of gas where they can be neutralized. To combat the strains of low-gravity environments, we have devised a novel oscillatory method for artificial gravity generation which reduces space and cost requirements. To validate our model, we are utilizing CAD software to 3D-print a working model. We also simulate the cardiovascular system under the conditions of artificial gravity to assess the effects of long-term exposure. Finally, to address the micrometeoroids, we have developed a simulation to evaluate the consequences of high-velocity impacts. This collaboration is in its fourth year of work and has developed a proof of concept that the shielding method is effective. Our current research focuses on optimizing specific parameters.