Advances in magnetized plasma propulsion and radiation shielding

Mini-magnetosphere, that is magnetic field inflated by the injection of plasma have several applications key to the exploration of space, including radiation shielding and augmentation of spacecraft thrust through momentum coupling with the solar wind. The systems are important because this inflation can be done without large mechanical structures and as such represent an example of a transformable technology. This paper uses multi-fluid simulations to detail the physics behind the inflation and the requirements to produce deflection of solar wind and other energetic particles. It is shown that the inflation itself is associated with the formation of a diamagnetic cavity that produces the rearrangement of the magnetic field both in front of an behind the magnet, and that this rearrangement greatly enhances the ability of the system to deflect charges particles in the forward direction. The solar wind adds momentum into the system to produce a 100:1 leverage on the thrust of the system, and adds energy to increase the magnetic field energy density so that is ability to defied energetic particles is further increased above what the mini-magnetosphere can do alone. Radiation shielding of GeV particles then becomes possible at 100's kW power levels.