Abstract We consider a special relativistic effect, known as the Poynting–Robertson effect, on various types of trajectories of solar sails. Since this effect occurs at order v ϕ/c, where v ϕ is the transversal speed relative to the sun, it can dominate over other special relativistic effects, which occur at order v 2/c 2. While solar radiation can be used to propel the solar sail, the absorbed portion of it also gives rise to a drag force in the transversal direction. For escape trajectories, this diminishes the cruising velocity, which can have a cumulative effect on the heliocentric distance. For a solar sail directly facing the sun in a bound orbit, the Poynting–Robertson effect decreases its orbital speed, thereby causing it to slowly spiral towards the sun. We also consider this effect for non-Keplerian orbits in which the solar sail is tilted in the azimuthal direction. While in principle the drag force could be counter-balanced by an extremely small tilt of the solar sail in the polar direction, periodic adjustments are more feasible.
Drag force on solar sails due to absorption of solar radiation
Advances in Space Research ; 48 , 11 ; 1778-1784
2011-01-01
7 pages
Aufsatz (Zeitschrift)
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch
Drag force on solar sails due to absorption of solar radiation
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