Solar Sails -- What are the current limitations?

AI Thread 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 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?
 
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.
 
Due to the constant never ending supply of "cool stuff" happening in Aerospace these days I'm creating this thread to consolidate posts every time something new comes along. Please feel free to add random information if its relevant. So to start things off here is the SpaceX Dragon launch coming up shortly, I'll be following up afterwards to see how it all goes. :smile: https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacex/

Similar threads

Replies
38
Views
5K
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
1K
Replies
9
Views
2K
Back
Top