Active Radiation Shield, Phase II

In the Phase I effort, Gloyer-Taylor Laboratories LLC (GTL) verified the feasibility of generating power from space particle radiation.  This effort successfully demonstrated electrical power production from a particle radiation source using an initial proof-of-concept device.  The effort also identified a second approach that has the potential for even better power generation and offers enhanced high energy radiation protection.

In the proposed Phase II effort, GTL and the University of Tennessee Knoxville (UTK) will further investigate and develop these breakthrough capabilities. This will include developing scientific models of how these devices function and testing samples to characterize and optimize their design. Based on these results, GTL and UTK shall produce an engineering prototype coupon device for NASA evaluation.

When fully developed, these techniques will provide NASA with access to an alternative power source, increasing available power from ambient sources (even in deep space) and enhancing power efficiency of on-board radiation power sources.