Solar Sails -- What are the current limitations?

Click For Summary
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
Messages
45
Reaction score
11
TL;DR
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?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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?

1656084422474.png
1656084461760.png
 
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.
 
its always been a dream of mine to visit the stars and now that I'm old enough and in a levels i wanted to send a bit of myself to space in a rocked like a hair or something but I've ran into some problems and came here to ask for your opinions on what fuel i should use and what material i should use the the shell of rocket as am only in first year a levels so any suggestions would be much appreciated and the fuel will take up about 90 percent mass and launch the rocket about 830Km the maths...

Similar threads

  • · Replies 29 ·
Replies
29
Views
5K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
4K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 38 ·
2
Replies
38
Views
5K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K