As humanity ventures deeper into space, safeguarding astronauts from galactic cosmic radiation (GCR) becomes paramount. Traditional passive shielding materials, such as polyethylene and aluminum, have been extensively studied for their effectiveness in attenuating GCR. However, these materials often require substantial mass to provide adequate protection, posing challenges for long-duration missions. Recent Monte Carlo simulations have evaluated the performance of various materials, revealing significant differences in their shielding capabilities. For instance, polyethylene demonstrated superior attenuation properties compared to aluminum and lunar regolith, highlighting its potential for future space habitats. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
In addition to passive shielding, active magnetic shielding systems are gaining traction as a promising solution. These systems generate magnetic fields to deflect charged particles, mimicking Earth's protective magnetosphere. The Cosmic Radiation Extended Warding (CREW) system, for example, employs a cylindrical Halbach array coil arrangement to produce an enhanced external magnetic field while suppressing it within the habitat. This innovative approach leverages high-temperature superconductors to achieve the necessary high currents, offering a lightweight and deployable solution for space habitats. arxiv.org