One of the problems with manned deep infinite travel is theamount of radiationastronauts will receive . While a delegation to Mars wo n’t needfully be fatal , the increased irradiation from both the Sun and cosmic rays could pose some health complications , such as a bigger risk of infection of develop cancer .
To battle this , it has been blow that future ballistic capsule could have a " safe way " surrounded inwaterto protect the astronauts . They would plunge in here when an increase amount of radiation therapy was incoming , such as from a solar flare . But CERN has other theme . They have fund an experimental magnetic carapace technology that could protect cosmonaut from wellness risks that could result from these long - catch flight .
In astatement , CERN scientist said that they were using magnesium diboride to make superconducting scroll as part of the European Space Radiation Superconducting Shield ( SR2S ) project . This is the same director used in CERN’sLarge Hadron Collider(LHC ) .
These coil would make an artificial magnetosphere around a ballistic capsule , which would deflect incoming particles – much like Earth ’s magnetosphere protects us from injury . It ’s not readable if the coils would ring the entire space vehicle , though ; IFLScience has asked CERN for further detail on the technology .
“ In the framework of this project , CERN is try out Mg diboride mag tape in a configuration that has specifically been developed for the SR2S project byColumbus Superconductors , ” CERN scientist Amalia Ballarino allege in astatement . “ If the prototype coil we will be testing get successful results , we will have contributed significant information to the feasibleness of the superconducting magnetized buckler . ”
In the coming months , the squad will try out a “ racetrack coil ” on Earth to see how effective the engineering really is . CERN distinction , though , that there aremany more challengesthat must be overcome before such a shield can be built , such as test out and compare a number of potential magnetic configurations .
But if it does prove successful , the engineering science could be essential for a future mission to Mars .