S.1 Spacecraft Propulsion Systems Chapter 1: Introduction to ...
S.1 Spacecraft Propulsion Systems Chapter 1: Introduction to ...
S.1 Spacecraft Propulsion Systems Chapter 1: Introduction to ...
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- 19 -<br />
New Approaches in Advanced <strong>Propulsion</strong>: Solar Sailing<br />
Concept: Solar sails accelerate under the<br />
pressure from solar radiation, caused by a<br />
momentum transfer from reflected solar<br />
pho<strong>to</strong>ns, thus requiring no propellant. This<br />
force is proportional <strong>to</strong> the sail area and can be<br />
directed by tilting the sail with respect <strong>to</strong> the<br />
incoming solar flux.<br />
Because no propellant is used, the solar sail<br />
has an infinite specific impulse (Isp = ∞),<br />
however, the thrust <strong>to</strong> weight ratio is very low,<br />
10 -4 <strong>to</strong> 10 -5 for 9 N/km 2 solar pressure at 1 AU.<br />
Typical applications:<br />
- interplanetary cargo missions<br />
- interstellar travel<br />
Status: All attempts <strong>to</strong> unfold solar sail in<br />
space have so far failed.