Solar sails have the potential to provide high ΔV for many types of missions. Solar sails are large, mirror-like structures made of a lightweight material that reflects sunlight to propel the spacecraft. The continuous solar photon pressure provides thrust with no need for the heavy, expendable propellants used by conventional chemical and electric propulsion systems. NASA, with industry partners, are developing and flying solar sails applicable to a wide range of space science missions, including those of interest for planetary science. Currently funded technology development activities support two classes of missions: Deep space interplanetary CubeSats (12 – 24 kg) and smallsats (up to ~125 kg).


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    Title :

    Solar Sail Propulsion for Planetary Missions


    Contributors:
    Les Johnson (author)

    Conference:

    Technology Showcase for Future NASA Planetary Science Missions ; 2023 ; Galveston, Texas, US


    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English






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