This paper shows that current or near-term technology together with the H-reversal mode for solar sailing would allow designing a 22-year flight-time mission to the minimum Solar Gravitational Lens (550 AU from the Sun). Sailcraft mass can be as low as 345 kg with a net payload of 100 kg. Al-Cr sail is 0.287 km2 large and 0.14 μm thick. Sailcraft mass breakdown and trajectory profiles are detailed.
Sailcraft-based mission to the Solar Gravitational Lens
SPACE TECHNOLOGY AND APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL FORUM - 2000 ; 2000 ; Albuquerque, New Mexico (USA)
AIP Conference Proceedings ; 504 , 1 ; 968-973
19.01.2000
6 pages
Aufsatz (Konferenz)
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch
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