Solar sails: technology and demonstration status

Johnson, L., Young, R., Barnes, N., Friedman, L., Lappas, V. and McInnes, C. (2012) Solar sails: technology and demonstration status. International Journal of Aeronautical and Space Sciences, 13(4), pp. 421-427. (doi: 10.5139/IJASS.2012.13.4.421)

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Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.5139/IJASS.2012.13.4.421

Abstract

Solar Sail propulsion has been validated in space (IKAROS, 2010) and soon several more solar-sail propelled spacecraft will be flown. Using sunlight for spacecraft propulsion is not a new idea. First proposed by Frederick Tsander and Konstantin Tsiolkovsky in the 1920's, NASA's Echo 1 balloon, launched in 1960, was the first spacecraft for which the effects of solar photon pressure were measured. Solar sails reflect sunlight to achieve thrust, thus eliminating the need for costly and often very-heavy fuel. Such "propellantless" propulsion will enable whole new classes of space science and exploration missions previously not considered possible due to the propulsive-intense maneuvers and operations required.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:McInnes, Professor Colin
Authors: Johnson, L., Young, R., Barnes, N., Friedman, L., Lappas, V., and McInnes, C.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Systems Power and Energy
Journal Name:International Journal of Aeronautical and Space Sciences
Publisher:The Korean Society for Aeronautical and Space Sciences
ISSN:2093-274X
ISSN (Online):2093-2480
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2012 The Authors
First Published:First published in International Journal of Aeronautical and Space Sciences 13(4):421-427
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

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