Solar sails (also known as lightsails, light sails, and photon sails) are a method of spacecraft propulsion using radiation pressure exerted by sunlight on large surfaces. A number of spaceflight missions to test solar propulsion and navigation have been proposed since the 1980s.

How does a solar sail work? Solar sails use photon “pressure” or force on thin, lightweight reflective sheet to produce thrust. 4

Continuous solar pressure provides solar sails with propellantless thrust, potentially enabling them to propel a spacecraft to tremendous speeds— theoretically much faster than any present-day propulsion system.

Efforts to validate by test a moderate-scale (10-m) 1⁄4-symmetry ground demonstration sail system are nearly complete. Results of testing and analytical model validation of component and assembly functional, strength, stiffness, shape, and dynamic behavior are discussed.

Jul 3, 2018 · We examine the theoretical implications of incorporating metasurfaces on solar sails, and the effect they can have on the forces applied to the sail.

Oct 1, 2024 · The solar sail is a propellant-free propulsion technology enabling spacecraft of solar sailing in space. Highly reflective solar sails with high area-to-mass ratios are the key components for maximizing the momentum transfer of incident photons.

electromagnetic theory, the physics of the metal lattice, and the sail interaction with the Solar Total Irradiance (TSI) and the Solar Spectral Irradiance (SSI).

Solar sails, also known as photon sails or light sails, are devices that can exploit an interesting quirk of relativity for propulsion. When a photon is absorbed on or reflected from a surface, it applies a force on it.

Apr 18, 2005 · Lightweight triangular lattice beams containing longerons, curved battens, and diagonals have been selected for many space structure applications, such as the supporting booms of future solar...

Aug 17, 2020 · This study aims to determine how monolayer graphene can be used with an aluminized polyimide film to improve the figure of merit for a solar-photon sail membrane. Monolayer graphene sheets were transferred to polyimide samples and tested for …