CREW HaT Cosmic Radiation Extended Warding Using the Halbach Torus Final Report - 2022 NIAC Phase I

This report presents the Phase I feasibility study of an open-geometry configuration of superconducting magnets known as the CREW HaT. This technology has the potential to offer a revolutionary solution to protect astronauts from space radiation during long-duration missions. Our study focuses on the ability of these magnets to deflect Galactic Cosmic Rays and Solar Particle Events. It compares their mass, power, and shielding efficiency with conventional passive methods and active shielding methodologies previously proposed. Through extensive research and analysis, we have identified a promising preliminary design that offers a feasible and imminent advancement for enhancing astronauts’ safety on extended space missions. This Phase I report provides detailed information on particle trajectory numerical calculations, superconducting coil design, critical current, coil conductor options, number of turns and layers, supporting mechanical structure design, stability, protection, overall mass, and power requirements. We have constructed a Monte Carlo computational framework to estimate the radiation exposure dose with arbitrary passive and active configurations and space radiation conditions. With this, we can now compute the whole-body equivalent dose that the mission crew is subjected to in space as a fundamental tool for establishing the environmental requirements for the active shielding system's engineering design. Based on our findings, an additional passive shielding layer provides equivalent mitigation to our active shielding system at a considerable mass cost. Our study has identified challenges to investigate and has produced the information and tools necessary to proceed to the next iteration, where we will address the CREW HaT feasibility under stricter conditions. Overall, we believe that the CREW HaT represents a significant advancement in space radiation shielding technology that will play a crucial role in ensuring the success of future interplanetary missions.