The University of Queensland is undertaking world-first experiments to investigate the potential of magnetic heat shields to enhance spacecraft re-entry, a development that could support future return missions from Mars by reducing spacecraft weight, cost, and thermal stress.
Led by Dr David Gildfind from UQ’s School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering, the research focuses on using superconducting magnets to deflect the superheated plasma generated during atmospheric re-entry.
Unlike conventional heat shields that rely on materials such as ceramic tiles to absorb extreme heat, magnetic systems aim to actively manipulate the plasma surrounding a spacecraft.
“When the magnet pushes at the plasma, the plasma pushes back on the spacecraft, helping to slow the spacecraft down,” Dr Gildfind said. “This provides additional braking before the fireball reaches its peak intensity and g-forces increase.”
According to Dr Gildfind, reducing the heat load on the spacecraft’s surface could allow for lighter thermal protection systems, potentially improving cost efficiency and payload capacity without compromising safety.
The project has received $610,710 in support through an ARC Discovery Grant and is part of broader international efforts to explore magnetohydrodynamic heat shield technology.
UQ’s Centre for Hypersonics, a recognised leader in hypersonics research, will conduct the experiments. The centre previously gained global attention for conducting the first atmospheric SCRAMjet test two decades ago.
The upcoming experiments will examine how magnetic fields behave when exposed to plasma flows at hypersonic speeds – conditions experienced by spacecraft travelling faster than Mach 5.
“Until now there has been very limited research as to how a magnetic field deforms when plasma flows through it during flight at these speeds, even though we expect the effect to be significant,” Dr Gildfind said.
The team aims to assess how the technology could be scaled for use in large, crewed vehicles returning from deep space missions.
“We will put the theory into practice for what would be the ultimate application—a large, crewed capsule returning to Earth from Mars, such as a future version of NASA’s Orion capsule,” Dr Gildfind said.
While the technology remains experimental, researchers hope the findings will contribute to global understanding of re-entry physics and support Australia’s space research capabilities.
“The truth is, this is uncharted territory in spacecraft design,” Dr Gildfind said. “While our models predict performance improvements, experimental validation is essential.”
The research outcomes will be shared with international space agencies to encourage collaboration.
Dr Gildfind added that projects like this also help foster interest in STEM careers among young Australians.
