Application of plasma technology in aerospace vehicles: A review

The galactic and solar radiation effects on astronauts in space during manned-space missions is one of the issues that scientists are dealing with to come up with a reasonable solution to overcome this disaster. Furthermore, in space missions to Mars, Titan, and beyond them, a powerful propulsion system is required. Recently, with the enhancement of technology in plasma generation, scientists are trying to design and build a plasma radiation shield and plasma propulsion system to create a safe and reliable space-craft for long-term space missions. To produce a plasma radiation shield and/or plasma propulsion system, a strong magnet to generate a magnetic field for electron cloud is required. For charging magnets, appropriate power supplies or fuel cells are needed. Additionally, to create a solid shield against the radiation on crafts skin, some coatings with plasma glow discharge can be deposited. This review focused on the mechanism for plasma radiation shield, different plasma propulsion systems, and different plasma deposited films for space-craft shielding against the radiation. Observations from this review have indicated that the application of plasma technology as a radiation shield, propulsion system, and a tool to produce space-crafts coating seems very promising and helpful for future space missions. However, it is required that practical experiments and financial assessments are considered.