What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to detail the technical specifications of the Refuge Sphere for radiation protection in interplanetary travel.

April 26, 2026Open Access

Refuge Sphere: A Superconducting Double-Sphere Radiation Shelter for Interplanetary Crewed Missions — Technical Engineering Document v8.0b

Key Points

The aim is to detail the technical specifications of the Refuge Sphere for radiation protection in interplanetary travel.
Developed a superconducting module utilizing the Meissner effect to create a zero magnetic field.
Incorporated multilayer passive shielding with materials like HDPE and borated polyethylene.
Detailed calculations for radiation shielding, energy budget, mass budget, and operational procedures.
Achieved a protection factor greater than 1,000× against class-X solar particle events.
Total system mass is approximately 12,250 kg.

Abstract

This document presents the complete technical engineering specification for the Refuge Sphere, a radiation protection module for crewed interplanetary spacecraft. The system exploits the Meissner effect in a closed YBCO superconducting sphere to achieve B = 0 internal magnetic field, combined with multilayer passive shielding (HDPE, borated polyethylene, Whipple) and an inner aluminum Faraday cage (E = 0). Includes full system description, magnetic system design, energy budget, radiation shielding calculations, mass budget, operational modes, FMEA, V&V plan, production specifications, and in-orbit testing procedures. Protection factor > 1,000× against SPE class-X events. Total system mass ~12,250 kg. See also: abstract DOI 10.5281/zenodo.19690549.

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Enrico Titimali (Wed,) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69edad6b4a46254e215b509b https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19712649

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