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dansmith170
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- Limitations of solar sails
What are the current limitations with solar sails and why are they not used with greater frequency? I have heard of hydrogen blistering -- is that a significant issue?
Solar Sails -- What are the current limitations?
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In summary, the current limitations with solar sails include their difficulty to deploy and their low acceleration. They are also not used with greater frequency due to the availability of more reliable options such as ion thrusters and chemical rockets. Hydrogen blistering is a significant issue for solar sails, as it can affect the functionality of the sail. However, it is not the primary reason why solar sails are not used more often.
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Used where?dansmith170 said:
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anorlunda
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Are you asking about spacecraft with light sail propulsion, or sailboats with solar panels built into the sails?
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berkeman
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I think what you are really trying to say is that you would have liked to have seen a different vehicle used for this?anorlunda said:
https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/zVp...image/58598303/DVYyUKgVAAIWVzu.1517959989.jpg
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mfb
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The first Falcon Heavy flight was a test of the rocket, it wouldn't have had a use for a solar sail.
Solar sails need to be very large and very light, which means they are difficult to deploy, and even then they only provide a very small acceleration. Ion thrusters are usually better (and certainly more reliable) if you have time, and chemical rockets will get you to your destination faster.
Solar sails need to be very large and very light, which means they are difficult to deploy, and even then they only provide a very small acceleration. Ion thrusters are usually better (and certainly more reliable) if you have time, and chemical rockets will get you to your destination faster.
1. What are solar sails and how do they work?
Solar sails are a type of spacecraft propulsion system that uses the pressure of sunlight to propel a spacecraft forward. The sail is made of a thin, reflective material that reflects sunlight and transfers its momentum to the spacecraft, allowing it to accelerate.
2. What are the current limitations of solar sails?
The main limitation of solar sails is the relatively low amount of thrust they can produce. This limits their use to long-distance, interplanetary missions where speed is not the primary concern. Additionally, solar sails are dependent on the availability of sunlight, so they are not suitable for missions in areas with low levels of sunlight, such as the outer solar system.
3. How large do solar sails need to be?
The size of a solar sail depends on the desired acceleration and the distance of the mission. Generally, larger sails will produce more thrust, but they also require more material and are more difficult to deploy. It is estimated that a solar sail for a typical interplanetary mission would need to be several hundred meters in diameter.
4. Can solar sails be used for manned missions?
At this time, solar sails are not suitable for manned missions due to the low thrust they produce. Additionally, the long travel times and reliance on sunlight make them impractical for human missions. However, research is ongoing to improve the technology and make it more feasible for manned missions in the future.
5. What advancements have been made in solar sail technology?
Recent advancements in solar sail technology include the development of new, lightweight materials for the sail, as well as improved deployment mechanisms. There have also been successful demonstrations of solar sail missions, such as the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's IKAROS mission in 2010. Ongoing research is focused on improving the efficiency and practicality of solar sails for future space missions.
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