A solar sail includes a bus and a plurality of separate movable vanes coupled to the bus. Each movable vane includes a reflective surface for generating solar radiation pressure and propel the solar sail in space. Each vane may be movable relative to the bus in a fully deployed configuration such that an amount of thrust generated by solar radiation pressure on each vane is controllable.
Solar sail for orbital maneuvers
2024-02-20
Patent
Electronic Resource
English
IPC: | B64G Raumfahrt , COSMONAUTICS |