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Spacecraft Solar Sails Containing Electrodynamic TethersA report discusses a proposal to use large, lightweight solar sails embedded with electrodynamic tethers (essentially, networks of wires) to (1) propel robotic spacecraft to distant planets, then (2) exploit the planetary magnetic fields to capture the spacecraft into orbits around the planets. The purpose of the proposal is, of course, to make it possible to undertake long interplanetary missions without incurring the large cost and weight penalties of conventional rocket-type propulsion systems. Through transfer of momentum from reflected solar photons, a sail would generate thrust outward from the Sun. Upon arrival in the vicinity of a planet, the electrodynamic tethers would be put to use: Motion of the spacecraft across the planetary magnetic field would induce electric currents in the tether wires, giving rise to an electromagnetic drag force that would be exploited to brake the spacecraft for capture into orbit. The sail with embedded tethers would be made to spin to provide stability during capture. Depending upon the requirements of a particular application, it could be necessary to extend the tether to a diameter greater than that of the sail.
Document ID
20110016467
Acquisition Source
Marshall Space Flight Center
Document Type
Other - NASA Tech Brief
Authors
Johnson, Les (NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Matloff, Greg (New York City Technical Coll. Brooklyn, NY, United States)
Date Acquired
August 25, 2013
Publication Date
December 1, 2005
Publication Information
Publication: NASA Tech Briefs, December 2005
Subject Category
Man/System Technology And Life Support
Report/Patent Number
MFS-31503
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.

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IDRelationTitle20110016435Collected WorksNASA Tech Briefs, December 2005
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