In results just published in the journal Plasma Physics and Controlled Fusion, they have devised a system no bigger than a large desk that uses the same energy as an electric kettle. Two mini-magnetospheres will be contained within two mini satellites located outside the spaceship. Should there be an increase in solar wind flux, or an approaching cloud of energetic particles from a flare and/or coronal mass ejection (CME), the magnetospheres can be switched on and the solar ions are deflected away from the spacecraft.

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Prof. Bob Bingham, a theoretical physicist at the University of Strathclyde, gives a graphic account as to why this technology is important:

“Solar storms or winds are one of the greatest dangers of deep space travel. If you got hit by one not only would it take out the electronics of a ship but the astronauts would soon take on the appearance of an overcooked pizza. It would be a bit like being near the Hiroshima blast. Your skin would blister, hair and teeth fall out and before long your internal organs would fail. It is not a very nice way to go. This system creates a Magnetic Field Bubble that would deflect the dangerous radiation away from the spacecraft.” –

Operated by the Air Force 20th Space Control Squadron and created by Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman and Raytheon, Space Fence is a multistatic radar system capable of detecting almost everything that moves in orbits up to 18,641 miles (30,000 kilometers). From the Hubble or the International Space Station down to the four-inch long metal shards that resulted from the collision of a commercial Iridium communications satellite and a defunct Russian satellite in 2009, this thing can track anything.

The modules, which have never been launched, were built as part of Almaz, a Soviet military programme that sent astronauts into orbit to take reconnaissance photographs of Earth. But Excalibur has also bought four reusable Almaz spacecraft, including one that was flown twice, which might be used much sooner.

Indeed, the firm’s immediate goal is finding ways to get passengers into orbit. Before this is possible the spaceships will need to be refurbished and modernised. However, Excalibur will attempt to preserve many of their “workhorse” components, including the heat shield, parachute system, solid rocket motors, and an escape system that can jettison a crew to safety if a rocket malfunctions.