A bubble of plasma could shield astronauts from radiation during long journeys through space, researchers are suggesting. If the idea proves viable, it means heavy metal protective panels could be replaced by a plasma shield of just a few grams.Astronauts travelling beyond the Earth's orbit would be at risk of cancer and other illnesses due to their long term exposure to cosmic rays. Some of these energetic particles are spewed forth during outbursts from the Sun. Others come from outside our solar system and are more mysterious in origin.The Earth's magnetic field protects spacecraft in low Earth orbits, such as the space shuttle and International Space Station. But astronauts journeying to Mars would benefit from no such protection. Thick metal shielding could absorb the rays, but the extra weight that would need to be launched into space might make this an impractical approach."There's no really sensible solution in terms of materials," says John Slough of the University of Washington, in Seattle, US, who is leading a study of the plasma shield idea. "It's an Achilles heel of manned space travel."Slough says the problem could be solved with just a few grams of hydrogen in the form of a plasma surrounding the spacecraft. NASA's Institute for Advanced Concepts (NIAC) recently awarded Slough's team $75,000 to explore the feasibility of the idea.

The details still need to be worked out, but the basic approach is clear. A high voltage device on the spacecraft would tear the hydrogen into its constituent protons and electrons. This plasma would then be spewed out into space, creating a cloud around the spacecraft. There would need to be a wire mesh outside the spacecraft and enclosing the plasma cloud. Electricity supplied to the mesh would keep an electrical current running in the plasma cloud and help confined it near the spacecraft.The plasma's magnetic field would be a powerful deflector of cosmic rays, equivalent to aluminium shielding several inches thick, Slough says.

View: Full Article | Source: New Scientist Space

The only question about having the wire mesh, what about micro asteroids hitting the mesh and putting the whole works out, or putting a section of it out and letting the gasses escape out of that spot?

A good question out of many Brian. Using the Ion exhaust that supplies the reaction force to move the ship ,would also be cancelled by using it as a shield. And do the Ion drives now in use like Cassini been proven to alter radiation in any way?

I may be wrong but I cant see this as a good idea.

Sounds like a great idea, except the wire mesh part of it. What they need is to create a gravitron force around the craft that would allow the plasma to be suspended without the use of a primitive wire mesh.

What's the feasibility of creating a gravity field?

The Gravity Field your using now takes the Whole Planet to generate. Now if you can come up with an Electrically Generated Equivalent that would fit in an average sized Space ship , you would never be broke again. Ever!

roger is one smart cookie

I appreciate the compliment , but I am not that smart. Because of my health I have too much time on my hands , so I read a lot. Or as my wife says , " I am knowledgeable on many subjects , but a master of NONE!"

Which is all right , she tells me whats important. Any thing else is DUMB by her standards!
Must be a WIFE Thing!