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Robust, lightweight, and resource efficient radiation shielding is necessary for long duration missions to Mars to protect astronauts from galactic cosmic rays and solar particle events. This research explores the possibility of using water ice as a primary shielding material integrated into an inflatable structure. Ice offers benefits, such as the potential for in-situ resource utilization and reduced secondary particle production. Inflatable structures then minimize launch mass by using lightweight flexible materials. The study evaluates membrane materials and configurations to identify combinations that optimise shielding performance and satisfy mission requirements.
To assess these concepts, a custom radiation transport simulation was created using the OpenGate Monte Carlo simulation tools. This simulation models particle attenuation over different shield compositions and ice thicknesses. Preliminary results indicate that ice has the potential to make use of local resources, form a solid structure, and reduce equivalent dose rates up 90%. The performance of the shield is also influenced by the composition and thickness of the shield membrane. This approach, including structural design, material selection, and computational modelling, adds to the growing body of research on extraterrestrial radiation protection techniques.