SATPC0033066 Tab 04 SOW REDACTED.pdf

Request for Quotation for Polymagnet Artificial Magnetosphere for Active Radiation Shielding (AMARS)

Firm Fixed Price Contract

1.0 BACKGROUND

In support of human spaceflight deeper into the solar system and beyond, it will be necessary to curate solutions for the protection of astronauts from galactic radiation. On Earth, we are protected by the planet’s magnetosphere, a magnetic field that surrounds the planet, produced by a geo-dynamo emanating from the solid magnetic core turning within the liquid mantle. This protection has benefited NASA missions from as early as the Apollo program and as late as the current missions on the International Space Station. That protection experiences a falloff of effectiveness beyond lunar orbit. At present there are no materials available that can effectively block the penetration of cosmic particles without adding large amounts of mass. To combat that issue, alternative solutions must be cultivated.

The primary alternative being active radiation shielding, presents a ripe opportunity to better enhance lunar mission and enable Martian missions through the generation of an artificial magnetosphere. In recent years new materials such as superconducting ceramics and small plasma conductors are now widely available to facilitate success in the technology where it wasn’t possible before. These and others allow for the development of the technology where before it may not have been as feasible for spaceflight. To that end, a proof-of-concept technology demonstration will be fabricated to demonstrate the production of an artificial magnetosphere in a controlled lab environment.

2.0 SCOPE

This statement of work addresses the development of test specimens that will be used in a series of tests aimed at the creation of an artificial magnetosphere in a lab environment utilizing a vacuum plasma chamber.

The contractor will be expected to provide magnet materials capable of maintaining properties in a designed plasma environment. This will also be supported by magnetic field simulation measurements.

The principal investigator will work with the contractor in coordinated meetings and planning to develop test specimens for integration into a ground-based plasma environment for experimental use.

3.0 REQUIREMENTS

Goals and requirements of this tasks include:

1. Requirement: Fabrication or provide a magnet or series of magnets no larger than approximately

7-in. x 5-in in size (cumulatively if necessary) with a minimum strength of 100 nT axially.

2. Requirement: Perform magnetic field characterization activities such as scans and simulation modeling demonstrating the size and shape of magnetic field to inform experimental design of the artificial magnetosphere

3. Requirement: Communicate results of field characterization activities

4.0 DELIVERABLES

STATEMENT OF WORK

4.1 Magnet of sufficient strength

4.2 Magnetic field property and geometry data

5.0 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The estimated period of performance for this task is eight months from the effective date of the task order award. The contractor will be required to notify the customer once 75% of the allocated funding has been exhausted. If, at any point, schedule delays arise such that the agreed upon deliverable date is no longer achievable, Polymagnet shall contact to notify of the situation, the status of its resolution, and the new expected delivery date . The contractor shall also keep the COR abreast of progress on this task order and shall include him in all correspondence if there are any problems.

mailto:dennis.m.thompson-1@nasa.gov