Abstract The relative importance of certain general relativistic effects is enhanced by solar radiation pressure (SRP). The observation and study of the trajectories of a solar sail could potentially provide tests of various effects of general relativity. In particular, we study Keplerian and non-Keplerian orbits near the sun as well as escape trajectories for a solar sail, for which general relativistic effects and the solar radiation pressure are considered simultaneously. In contrast with the conventional solar mission, a solar sail allows for non-Keplerian orbits, for which the orbital plane lies above the sun. It is predicted that there is an analog of the Lense–Thirring effect for non-Keplerian orbits. Also the SRP increases the amount of precession per orbit due to the Lense–Thirring effect for polar heliocentric orbits. A solar sail would also enhance the relative importance of effects associated with a possible net charge on the sun and during many rotations this effect may be measurable.

    Highlights ► Trajectories of solar sails give test of various effects of general relativity (GR). ► GR effects and the solar radiation pressure are considered simultaneously. ► Solar radiation pressure enhances GR effects on trajectories of a solar sail. ► There is an analog of the Lense–Thirring effect for non-Keplerian orbits. ► A solar sail would possible enhance effects associated with net charge on the sun.


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    Title :

    Can solar sails be used to test fundamental physics?



    Published in:

    Acta Astronautica ; 83 ; 54-64


    Publication date :

    2012-09-22


    Size :

    11 pages




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English




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