Magneto-Ionization Spacecraft Shield for Interplanetary Travel*

Authors: S. Chen, M. Holcomb, E. Jackovin, X. Kwa, J. Kilburg, A. Lobo, J. Messerli-Wallace, E. Miller, S. Mortenson, T. Parmerlee, G. Summers, M. Tentis, K. Weber, M. Viscarra; T. Kutnink (Mentor), M. Lutrell (Mentor), A. Petridis (Mentor); Prior Contributors: D. Atri, J. Brutger, T. Detwiler, K. Finger, Z. Fisher, J. Flanagan, A. Furman, N. Gautille, T. Havlik, K. Harycki, C. Huber, L. Hofmann, T. Johnson, J. LaFranzo, B. Lyon, L. MacEnulty, M. McCord, G. Menning, E. Morton, N. Peterson, J. Prochaska, A. RC, J. Schertz, K. Sletten, W. Thomas, D. Viscarra, Z. Wellens

 Drake University: Physics and Astronomy Department and Department of Biology

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.