How do solar sails work?

• Momentum of photon = E/c, if we reflect the photon, then dp = 2 E/c. At 1 AU, E_sunlight = 1.4 kW/m2 ==> 9mN/m2=9mPa

• Then to get to Pluto in 1.6 years, we need 0.004 m/s2 of acceleration. To get this acceleration with sunlight we need a mass loading of <2gm/m2 !

  • Mylar materials ~ 6 gm/m2
  • Carbon fiber mesh < 5 gm/m2 ( 3/2/2000)

• We are getting close!

Notes: