A deployable
electromagnetic radiation deflector shield (DERDS) is disclosed. It is used in protecting manned
spacecraft or robotic
spacecraft flying outside of the Earth's protective
magnetic field as well as manned extra-planetary base stations. This DERDS is deployed from the
spacecraft during flight and positioned to be between the Sun and the protected spacecraft (or in the case of Jupiter / Saturn missions, transitioning to be between that
planet and the spacecraft). It remains in the proper position from the spacecraft by its own sensors and computer controlled gaseous or
ion thrusters. It is deployed away from the spacecraft to better deflect incoming solar
radiation (or Jovian
radiation and the like), and not have its
magnetic field affect the protected spacecraft or extra-planetary
base station's equipment and astronauts (as in prior art). Its deployment will also prevent any captured
radiation in its generated magnetic torus (like Earth's Van Allen radiation belts) from affecting the protected spacecraft or extra-planetary
base station. The DERDS has a self-contained superconducting
electromagnet that creates a
magnetic field to deflect incoming solar radiation, including CMEs (coronal
mass ejections) and repositioned for x-
ray and
gamma ray bursts from distant supernovae. It utilizes a tethered
umbilical cord to transmit electrical power and back up commands from the spacecraft or
satellite. Another variant or embodiment would be to
mount the DERDS on a telescopic / extendable
solid mount and remove the need for thrusters within the DERDS as it would move as an attachment to the spacecraft. The source of electrical power in this embodiment is the protected spacecraft's solar arrays, RTG (radioisotope thermal generator),
fuel cells, and or batteries. In addition, it can be constructed with these power supplies mounted within the DERDS, as in a self-contained deployed spacecraft /
satellite. Another embodiment of the DERDS would be mounted on an ecliptic track wherein the DERDS moves along the track to protect the manned
base station.