If, however, it goes through your shield it may hit another, less crucial system (or even an empty room) and your shields will be undamaged. If it hits the ship while your shields are up they will be reduced in power for a few seconds. If your enemy is attacking with an ion weapon, consider letting your shields down. Submitted by: ign_cheats Avoid Ion Shield Damage On average you can max your shield crewman in 10 minutes. Every asteroid strike that hits your shield will give your crew manning the shield 1 experience point.