Solar Sails  |   What are solar sails?

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

Solar Sail Diagram