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

TL;DR

This paper investigates the potential of artificial mini-magnetospheres, enhanced by plasma environments, as effective radiation shields for long-term human space missions, supported by theory, experiments, and simulations.

Contribution

It introduces a novel concept of using plasma-supported artificial mini-magnetospheres for radiation shielding in space missions, with evidence from lunar phenomena and modeling.

Findings

Mini-magnetospheres can effectively shield against solar protons.

Plasma environment significantly reduces power requirements.

Lunar swirls demonstrate natural mini-magnetosphere shielding.

Abstract

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.