How LightSail 2 Achieves Propulsion Through Continuous Photon Pressure
This article explains how solar sails like LightSail 2 achieve propulsion through continuous, gentle photon pressure rather than traditional rocket engines. It highlights that there is no single "maximum speed" — acceleration is tiny but constant, roughly equivalent to the weight of a single sheet of paper on your hand. In optimal conditions, this continuous push could theoretically lead to very high speeds over time.
Key quotes
Because solar sails do not use traditional rocket engines, they do not have a single 'maximum speed' or a rapid blast of acceleration.
The acceleration of LightSail 2 was incredibly small but continuous.
The push against the Lightsail was roughly equivalent to the weight of a single sheet of paper resting on your hand.
From the article
You might also wanna read
Feasibility Study of a Mission to Sedna Using Advanced Propulsion Concepts
The study assesses the feasibility of a mission to Sedna using advanced propulsion concepts: Direct Fusion Drive (DFD) and solar sail. DFD e
arxiv.org·1y ago
Study finds smaller solar sails more efficient for station-keeping around small asteroids
This study examines the use of different solar sail sizes for station-keeping spacecraft orbiting irregularly shaped asteroids. A rational a
arxiv.org·13d ago
Finnish Inventor Builds Solar-Powered Explorer Yacht in 200 Days
A Finnish inventor built a 35-foot solar-powered explorer yacht called Helios 11 in just 200 days. The ultra-light vessel runs purely on sol
supercarblondie.com·8mo agoInnovative Approach to Interstellar Travel with Torqued Accelerator using Radiation from the Sun (TARS)
The Torqued Accelerator using Radiation from the Sun (TARS) proposes a novel approach to interstellar travel by storing solar energy as rota
arxiv.org·11mo ago
Italian Company Genergo Unveils Propellantless Electromagnetic Space-Propulsion System Successfully Tested in Orbit
Italian deep-tech company Genergo has emerged from stealth mode to reveal a propellantless electromagnetic space-propulsion system that has
satcom.digital·7mo ago
Comments
Sign in to join the conversation.
No comments yet. Be the first.