Concept
Concept
: Physics
: Applications
:
Bibliography
The idea for a solar sail is to use the force of any source of
radiation, ideally a star, to propel an object through space. The
idea works similar to a sail on a boat you would see
traveling in the ocean using wind to propel it. While it is
considered a
low thrust propulsion system solar sails still have a practical
application for space travel.
The principle for a solar sail relies on radiation pressure to
generate the force required to move in space. By deploying
large light weight mirrors which can reflect incoming light and
bounce it back producing a push in the opposite direction
for the craft which it is attached to. While the amount of force
from light is very small with a large enough surface area and
enough time the speed can continue to increase since there is
little resistance to slow the craft in space. Along with high
speeds the benefit of not needing any sort of fuel greatly
increases the range and sustainability of such a craft.