Systems engineering of active, passive, and bioengineered protection from space radiation

Abstract

Space radiation presents a critical barrier to long-duration human spaceflight beyond Earth's magnetosphere, necessitating innovative shielding strategies. This dissertation involved developing a holistic systems engineering framework that integrates active magnetic field (AMF) shielding, passive material shielding, and bioengineered countermeasures to protect astronauts from galactic cosmic rays (GCRs) and solar particle events (SPEs). A scenario-driven trade-off analysis evaluated multiple mission profiles, ranging from short-duration sorties to multi-year deep-space habitats, to determine optimal shielding configurations. Model-based systems engineering (MBSE) techniques, including the design structure matrix, functional flow modeling, and failure mode and effects analysis, are applied to manage the complex integration of superconducting magnet coils, power and thermal control systems, and spacecraft subsystems. Monte Carlo radiation transport simulations (FLUKA, MATLAB) and parametric co-simulations validate shielding performance against National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) dose limits. The results demonstrate that no single solution is sufficient. A high-intensity AMF can deflect a significant portion of charged GCR particles, significantly reducing dose with far less mass than all-passive shielding. Passive, hydrogen-rich materials remain indispensable for absorbing secondary neutrons and uncharged radiation that magnets cannot deflect. Bioengineering approaches, including radioprotective pharmaceuticals and enhanced DNA repair mechanisms, further bolster crew resilience, providing a complementary biological layer of defense. The key implication is that an integrated, multilayered shielding architecture, which is supported by rigorous systems engineering, is crucial for enabling safe and sustainable human exploration of Mars and other deep-space destinations.