There is provided a radiation shield device for providing radiation
protection to an area, such as a manned vehicle. The radiation shield
device comprises a magnetic field generator, such as a solenoid, of
superconductive material that provides a magnetic field around the area
to shield the area from radiation. The magnetic field generator
preferably comprises at least one trapezoidal portion to provide
substantially isotropic protection to the area. A thermal control system,
comprising a limited amount of coolant or a refrigeration cycle, is
included to control a temperature of the superconductive material during
operation of the magnetic field generator. A magnetic shield device may
also be provided between the magnetic field generator and the area to be
shielded from radiation to substantially shield the area from the
magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator.