Solar Sails -- What are the current limitations?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion focuses on the current limitations of solar sails as a propulsion method for spacecraft. Participants explore various challenges and considerations regarding the deployment and effectiveness of solar sails compared to other propulsion technologies.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire about the specific context of solar sails, questioning whether the discussion pertains to spacecraft with light sail propulsion or sailboats equipped with solar panels.
  • One participant mentions hydrogen blistering as a potential issue but does not clarify its significance.
  • Another participant notes that solar sails require large and lightweight designs, which complicates deployment and results in minimal acceleration compared to other propulsion methods.
  • It is suggested that ion thrusters may offer better reliability and efficiency for long-duration missions, while chemical rockets provide faster travel times.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the applicability and effectiveness of solar sails, with no consensus reached on their limitations or advantages compared to other propulsion systems.

Contextual Notes

The discussion lacks specific details on the technical challenges associated with hydrogen blistering and does not resolve the ambiguity regarding the type of solar sails being referenced.

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
 
Reply
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: PeroK
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.
 

Similar threads

Wing Sails on modern ships
  • · Replies 38 ·
2
Replies
38
Views
6K
High School Could solar sails be used as turbines for power generation?
  • · Replies 29 ·
Replies
29
Views
5K
Can We Combine Solar Sails and Ion Thrusters for Faster Space Travel?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
High School Could you use the Moon to reflect sunlight onto a solar sail?
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
4K
Could cymatics keep Martian dust off solar panels?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Looking for blueprints to the ISS solar panel array
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Solar Energy in Space: Locomotion & Approaching Sun
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Materials for space applications?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Undergrad On board a laser powered solar sail
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
High School Action-reaction of a sailing boat and wind
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
1K