sTARS: A Stationary, Zero-Thrust Derivative of the 2025 TARS Architecture for Continuous Solar-Driven Power Generation and Active Magnetic Shielding – From CubeSats to Planetary Magnetospheres

We present a symmetric, zero-net-thrust modification of Kipping & Lampo’s 2025 Tethered Accelerated Radiometer Propulsion System (TARS) that eliminates translational force while preserving continuous solar torque. The resulting “stationary TARS” (sTARS) architecture simultaneously (i) harvests solar radiation for propellantless mechanical/electrical power generation and (ii) sustains persistent currents in hightemperature superconducting loops to produce stable dipole magnetic fields. A 6U–12U CubeSat demonstrator is realisable with 2026–2029 technology. When deployed as an 80–150-satellite constellation in low Mars orbit, sTARS units naturally maximise torque (and field strength) on the dayside, creating an Earth-like bow shock that reduces galactic cosmic radiation by 50–80 % planet-wide and fully protects against solar particle events —using only sunlight. Optional laser illumination from surface stations extends full performance to the night side, yielding a true 24/7 global magnetosphere. This work is a direct, credited extension of the original TARS propulsion concept into civilian radiation shielding and sustainable deep-space power.