Magazine Article

Ultra-Large Solar Sail

TBMG-5778

10/01/2009

Abstract
Content

UltraSail is a next- generation ultra-large (km2 class) sail system. Analysis of the launch, deployment, stabilization, and control of these sails shows that high-payload-mass fractions for interplanetary and deep-space missions are possible. UltraSail combines propulsion and control systems developed for formation- flying microsatellites with a solar sail architecture to achieve controllable sail areas approaching 1 km2. Electrically conductive CP-1 polyimide film results in sail subsystem area densities as low as 5 g/m2. UltraSail produces thrust levels many times those of ion thrusters used for comparable deepspace missions.

Meta TagsDetails
Citation
"Ultra-Large Solar Sail," Mobility Engineering, October 1, 2009.
Additional Details
Publisher
Published
Oct 1, 2009
Product Code
TBMG-5778
Content Type
Magazine Article
Language
English