| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8056158 | Acta Astronautica | 2016 | 7 Pages |
Abstract
Hyperthin solar sails deployed as close to the Sun as possible are the only currently feasible approach to extrasolar solar exploration and interstellar travel. This paper quantifies and investigates the effects of timing errors in the unfurlment (or inflation) of solar sails at the perihelion of parabolic solar orbits upon the spacecraft's trajectory direction. Methods of correcting such aim errors include on-board solar-, radioisotope-, or nuclear-electric thrusters, electromagnetic thrustless turning, application of electric or magnetic sails, and a new application of toroidal magnetic ion scoops.
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Authors
Gregory L. Matloff,