Location
Bermuda Room
Start Date
4-6-2019 7:30 AM
Description
Infrastructures for sustainable human space exploration beyond low-Earth orbit will require advanced propulsion and radiation protection. Rapid transit between destinations is needed to mitigate effects from microgravity, while shielding from high-energy, isotropic galactic cosmic rays is needed to mitigate long-term radiation exposure. Here, we discuss the continued development of two novel technologies with the potential to accomplish both tasks. First, we present the capabilities of a rocket concept that mimics the production of a solar flare to achieve high-efficiency plasma propulsion. Second, we introduce a scalable superconducting shielding design that exploits the superposition of magnetic fields to generate a large shell of magnetic energy surrounding a spacecraft. Both concepts are shown to be achievable with existing technologies. Continued efforts from OrangeWave Innovative Science, LLC and SpaceWave, LLC are aimed at expanding their technology readiness levels.
Presentations
Presented during the session - CEU Session #1 - Advanced Propulsion and Radiation Protection for Sustainable Space Exploration
CEU Session #1 - Advanced Propulsion and Radiation Protection for Sustainable Space Exploration
Bermuda Room
Infrastructures for sustainable human space exploration beyond low-Earth orbit will require advanced propulsion and radiation protection. Rapid transit between destinations is needed to mitigate effects from microgravity, while shielding from high-energy, isotropic galactic cosmic rays is needed to mitigate long-term radiation exposure. Here, we discuss the continued development of two novel technologies with the potential to accomplish both tasks. First, we present the capabilities of a rocket concept that mimics the production of a solar flare to achieve high-efficiency plasma propulsion. Second, we introduce a scalable superconducting shielding design that exploits the superposition of magnetic fields to generate a large shell of magnetic energy surrounding a spacecraft. Both concepts are shown to be achievable with existing technologies. Continued efforts from OrangeWave Innovative Science, LLC and SpaceWave, LLC are aimed at expanding their technology readiness levels.
