Method and device for magnetic space radiation shield providing isotropic protection

摘要

There is provided a radiation shield device (10) for providing radiation protection to an area (36), such as a manned vehicle. The radiation shield device comprises a magnetic field generator (30), such as a solenoid, of superconductive material (32) that provides a magnetic field (34) around the area to shield the area from radiation. The magnetic field generator preferably comprises at least one trapezoidal portion (330a-330d) to provide substantially isotropic protection to the area. A thermal control system (250), comprising a limited amount of coolant or a refrigeration cycle, is included to control a temperature of the superconductive material during operation of the magnetic field generator. A magnetic shield device (412) may also be provided between the magnetic field generator and the area to be shielded from radiation to substantially shield the area from the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator.