Solar Sails | What are solar sails?
Exploring
Solar Sails
The next generation of space propulsion
Solar Sails | Future space propulsion
Solar Sails, also known as light sails, use solar/radiation pressure from stars to push extremely thin mirrors that creates a force that propels the spacecraft.
Johannes Kepler first thought of the idea of solar sails in 1610. It took many centuries and astronomers, physicists and engineers to develop the first solar sail. In 1976, the technology and design for solar sails was being explored. In 2010 Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency sent the first successful solar sail into space.
Solar sails are becoming increasingly popular in the aerospace industry due to their relatively cheap operating costs and long operation life.
Definition
History
Solar Sail | Timeline
Future Use
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Sail Material
Solar sails are developed from thin aluminum films, carbon fiber, alumina, and nano-tubes
CubeSat
CubeSats are small satellites shaped in a cube. The CubeSat in this image is a 1U (100mm x 100mm x 113 mm)
First idea of solar sails appeared
1610
1976
2008
2010
2014
2005
2016
Future
Technology and design concepts started
First ever solar sailing probe, mission failed due to rocket failure
Nasa's NanoSail-D solar sail powered satellite sent the space but failed to orbit and crashed
First successful solar sail launched by Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
The completion of the largest solar sail by NASA but was never launched
Solar sail developed by Planetary Society to be launched
Expect to see more solar sail powered spacecrafts in the future
