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Primary feedstock: lunar regolith processed for dust-grade, composition-tuned particles.
Optional supplement: small NEA asteroid material when transfer windows are favorable.
Particle size distribution tailored for scattering efficiency vs. lifetime (e.g., sub-μm to few μm).
On-site processing removes volatiles, charges/functionalizes grains if needed (electrostatic or thin-film coat).
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Staging orbits: NRHO or DRO for tug rendezvous and buffering.
Transfer methods: high-Isp electric tugs + occasional ballistic assists.
Typical Moon→L1 timelines: ~3–14 days depending on thrust-to-mass and trajectory.
Continuous shuttle cadence smooths flow and buffers supply spikes.
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L1 logistics ring receives hopper tanks; automated couplers meter dust into injectors.
Inline charge conditioning sets target net charge per particle for EM guidance.
Real-time mass-flow controllers maintain commanded g/s per injector.
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Multi-nozzle array “fans” particles across the target zone; initial velocities set dwell.
Size/velocity tuning trades optical depth vs. persistence (hours to multi-day residence).
Baseline power per injector sized for steady opacity; surge mode handles solar events.
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“Fountain” flow works with physics: particles stream through a control volume, not trapped.
Weak electromagnetic fields act like lane markers: trim dispersion, reduce off-axis loss.
Radiation-pressure & orbital phasing tools modulate cloud thickness regionally (dynamic dimming).
Adaptive opacity control: ramp up for heatwaves; taper for agriculture/insolation windows.
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Sensor constellation (optical/IR/radar) estimates real-time optical depth and plume geometry.
Feedback loop updates injector g/s, particle size mix, and EM trims every control cycle.
Fault isolation: outlier injectors auto-throttle or hand over to neighbors.
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Storm protocol: CME/flare forecast triggers pre-emptive geometry & flow adjustments.
Graceful tail-off mode: rapid flow reduction without creating dense debris streams.
Strict ejecta cones and no-go envelopes limit Earth/Moon intercept probabilities.