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For Void re post with images and GIF of asteroid NEAR probe...
https://newmars.com/forums/viewtopic.ph … 94#p231794
That is an impressive composition!
Your recent introduction of the idea of using iron as propellant (reaction mass) might inspire one or two readers to wonder about the potential impact such highly accelerated iron atoms might have when they encounter the hull of a space craft. Your post includes mention of building up layers of material for radiation protection, and provision for arrival of the iron atoms used as reaction mass might seem advisable.
(th)
Short answer: none. Heavy ions have a very short range in matter (microns), due to their interaction with electron shells. Look up the Bethe-Bloch equation. Also, ions will tend to be swept away by solar wind.
One area where this could potentially be a problem, is planetary magnetospheres. Whilst interplanetary space is vast, the Earth's radiation belts start about 1000km above its surface. If they are pumped with ions that are accelerated as Earth's magnetic field lines sweep them, it could do damage to exposed components like solar panels.
"Plan and prepare for every possibility, and you will never act. It is nobler to have courage as we stumble into half the things we fear than to analyse every possible obstacle and begin nothing. Great things are achieved by embracing great dangers."
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