Electric sails are potentially more effective than light sails near most stars
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DOI: 10.1016/j.actaastro.2019.12.013
Abstract: Abstract Electric sails are propulsion systems that generate momentum via the deflection of stellar wind particles through electric forces. Here, we investigate the relative merits of electric sails and light sails driven by stellar radiation… read more here.
Keywords: electric sails; sails potentially; light sails; potentially effective ... See more keywords
Formation flying for electric sails in displaced orbits. Part I: Geometrical analysis
Sign Up to like & getrecommendations! Published in 2017 at "Advances in Space Research"
DOI: 10.1016/j.asr.2017.05.015
Abstract: Abstract We present a geometrical methodology for analyzing the formation flying of electric solar wind sail based spacecraft that operate in heliocentric, elliptic, displaced orbits. The spacecraft orbit is maintained by adjusting its propulsive acceleration… read more here.
Keywords: displaced orbits; flying electric; electric sails; spacecraft ... See more keywords