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Solar sailing technology challenges

delete2019-10-01
delete87
PRE
AI
D
David A. Spencer *
L
Les Johnson
A
Alexandra C. Long
DOI:10.1016/j.ast.2019.07.009delete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
Solar sailing technology has been demonstrated in the space environment over. the past decade, in Earth orbit and on an interplanetary trajectory. These technology demonstration missions, along with a forty-year history of conceptual studies and laboratory development, have provided a 'foundation for a new era of missions where solar sailing provides the necessary propulsion to achieve space science and infrastructure goals. Numerous challenges remain on the path to flagship-class missions utilizing solar sails. This paper provides a survey of the current state of the art in solar sailing technology, including a taxonomy of solar sail design. A summary of solar sailing missions is provided, along with description of the larger-scale ground test programs. A set of representative next-generation solar sailing mission concepts is then presented, to establish driving requirements for future applications. To meet the objectives for these future missions, sail areas must 'increase by a factor of 50-500 relative to the largest solar sail flown to date. Sail loading, sailcraft areal density, characteristic acceleration and lightness number must improve by one to two orders of magnitude. Technology advancements required to meet the future solar sailing performance needs are described, providing a technology roadmap for solar sailing capability. (C) 2019 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.
Keywords:
ATTITUDE-CONTROL
MISSION
DEPLOYMENT
DYNAMICS
DESIGN
VALIDATION
SPACECRAFT
ORBITER
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Journal

Aerospace Science and Technology cover
Aerospace Science and Technology
IF:
5.8
Papers:
1.0W
Citations:
3.0W

Organization

Purdue University System cover
Purdue University System
Scholars:
3.9W
Papers: 3.6W
Citations: 66
N
national aeronautics & space administration (nasa)
Scholars:
3.1W
Papers: 2.6W
Citations: 46
P
Purdue University
Scholars:
2.7W
Papers: 2.1W
Citations: 147
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