A report discusses a proposal to use large, lightweight solar sails embedded with electrodynamic tethers (essentially, networks of wires) to (1) propel robotic spacecraft to distant planets, then (2) exploit the planetary magnetic fields to capture the spacecraft into orbits around the planets. The purpose of the proposal is, of course, to make it possible to undertake long interplanetary missions without incurring the large cost and weight penalties of conventional rocket-type propulsion systems. Through transfer of momentum from reflected solar photons, a sail would generate thrust outward from the Sun. Upon arrival in the vicinity of a planet, the electrodynamic tethers would be put to use: Motion of the spacecraft across the planetary magnetic field would induce electric currents in the tether wires, giving rise to an electromagnetic drag force that would be exploited to brake the spacecraft for capture into orbit. The sail with embedded tethers would be made to spin to provide stability during capture. Depending upon the requirements of a particular application, it could be necessary to extend the tether to a diameter greater than that of the sail.
Spacecraft Solar Sails Containing Electrodynamic Tethers
2005-12-01
Miscellaneous
No indication
English
SOLUTIONS - Books and Reports - Spacecraft Solar Sails Containing Electrodynamic Tethers
Online Contents | 2005
Electrodynamic tethers for spacecraft propulsion
AIAA | 1998
|Electrodynamic Tethers for Spacecraft Propulsion
NTRS | 2009
|Electrodynamic Tethers for Spacecraft Propulsion
NTIS | 2009
|Electrodynamic Tethers For Spacecraft Propulsion
British Library Conference Proceedings | 1998
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