2016•Advanced Optical MaterialsRequires access

Controllable Propulsion by Light: Steering a Solar Sail via Tunable Radiation Pressure

Dakang Ma, Joseph B. Murray, Jeremy N. Munday

Abstract

Switchable reflectivity enables tunable radiation pressure for spacecraft propulsion through the transfer of photon momentum. Solar sails offer a propellant-free alternative for deep space travel; however, they are limited in maneuverability. This new electrically controllable device enables a solar sail to be steered by changing the photon pressure at different parts of the sail.

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Key concepts: Solar sail, Radiation pressure, Propulsion, Aerospace engineering, Spacecraft, Spacecraft propulsion, Propellant, Materials science