Multifunctional, Boron-Foam Based Radiation Shielding, Phase I

The NASA vision of Space Exploration requires new approaches to radiation shielding. Both Spiral 2 and Spiral 3 concepts are extremely sensitive to weight reduction. Currently used thermal protection (TPS) and radiation shielding concepts are separate identities. As a result, the net weight of current TPS/radiation shielding concepts is very significant. In an effort to greatly reduce the mass of the Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV), a totally new concept is proposed. It merges a novel approach to TPS combined with a totally new approach to radiation shielding. A boron carbide foam will be produced by a novel method. This foam will be integrated into a CEV TPS concept. As a result, the TPS will serve a multiple function including radiation shielding resulting in a significant weight saving.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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