Galactic Cosmic Ray Shielding Using Spherical Field-Reversed Array of Superconducting Coils

Abstract

A deep-space galactic cosmic ray (GCR) shield in the form of a field-reversed array of superconducting coils is investigated. Exploiting the physics of plasma confinement, the shield forms a shell of magnetic energy which protects the interior from GCR flux. It is constructed from two concentric spherical assemblies of superconducting coils, each arranged in the same manner as lines of latitude on a globe. Current is modulated through the coils such that the magnetic energy in the gap between the spheres is concentrated, while the field within the inner sphere cancels. We investigate how this configuration creates a scalable and expandable magnetic shield and test it through one iteration of maximum coil current and total number of coils over which this architecture can satisfy the integral field parameter for deflection of GCRs. Included is a numerical demonstration of this shield designed to protect the Lunar Orbital Platform-Gateway within an isotropic distribution of 100,000 iron (kinetic energy 56 GeV), resulting in a reduction of particle number density within the interior of the shield between approximately 33 and 50%. Further investigations of scalability for this and other plasma confinement architectures may offer radiation mitigation for a wide range of spacecraft.