Solar Sails -- What are the current limitations?

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Current limitations of solar sails include their requirement for large, lightweight designs that are challenging to deploy and provide only minimal acceleration. This makes them less efficient compared to ion thrusters and chemical rockets, which are more reliable and faster for space travel. Hydrogen blistering is mentioned as a potential issue, but the discussion does not elaborate on its significance. The technology is not widely used due to these performance constraints and the availability of more effective propulsion methods. Overall, solar sails remain a niche option in spacecraft propulsion.
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?
 
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dansmith170 said:
Summary: 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?
Used where?
 
Are you asking about spacecraft with light sail propulsion, or sailboats with solar panels built into the sails?

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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.
 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UPS_Airlines_Flight_2976#Airline Importantly, 21000/28000 = 0.75 ! https://about.ups.com/us/en/newsroom/statements/ups-statement-on-aircraft-accident.html AP News - Dramatic photos of doomed UPS plane show the aircraft on fire and its engine flying off https://apnews.com/article/ups-plane-crash-louisville-31a1fe9a7d8f1f135dfae74ef5256991 Investigators say UPS plane that crashed in Kentucky, killing 14, had cracks in engine mount...

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