Spacecraft Solar Sail Maneuvering via Intermediary Laser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solar sails are ineffective for maneuvering spacecraft when in the shadow of objects in space, such as Earth or Moon, as they rely solely on sunlight for propulsion and lose efficiency due to reduced photon impact.
Innovation Solution
Identifying nearby spacecraft within line of sight to direct light, either through lasers or reflected sunlight, to provide the necessary force for maneuvering the solar sail-equipped spacecraft, allowing for continued propulsion even in shadowed areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If solar sails rely solely on sunlight for propulsion, then the spacecraft can be maneuvered using light pressure, but the spacecraft becomes unable to maneuver when in the shadow of objects in space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary light source (another spacecraft equipped with a laser) to provide photons to the solar sail when the primary light source (sun) is blocked. This intermediary enables the solar sail to function in shadowed regions by receiving directed laser light from the intermediary spacecraft, thus maintaining maneuvering capability without requiring the sail to have its own power source.
2Duration of action of moving object
If solar sails are used in shadowed regions, then continuous maneuvering is possible, but additional spacecraft with lasers are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes one spacecraft multi-functional by equipping it with both a solar sail for propulsion and a laser for illuminating other spacecraft. This spacecraft can switch between being a target (receiving laser light for maneuvering) and a source (providing laser light to others), reducing the total number of specialized spacecraft needed and simplifying the overall system while enabling continuous maneuvering.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables continuous maneuvering of spacecraft equipped with solar sails by utilizing nearby spacecraft to emit light, ensuring the solar sail can maintain propulsion and follow desired paths even when in the shadow of objects, thus overcoming the limitations of relying solely on sunlight.
Implementation Method 1
Solar sails capture light photons on a surface called a sail. When light hits a solar sail, a force is applied to the solar sail.
Implementation Method 2
the plurality of spacecraft each comprise a laser which can be controlled to emit light at the first spacecraft
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments herein describe maneuvering a spacecraft using a solar sail when sunlight is not available. Smaller satellites may rely solely on solar sails in order to maneuver to different locations (e.g., different orbits) to adjust for orbital decay, avoid collisions with other satellites, or to avoid space junk. However, solar sails cannot rely on the sun when orbiting on the dark side of a planet (e.g., when in the earth's shadow). When a spacecraft should maneuver but the sun is not available as a power source, the embodiments herein describe identifying other spacecraft within line-of-sight (LOS) of the spacecraft and using these spacecraft to direct lasers (or reflecting sunlight if available) at the spacecraft to maneuver it to a desired path (e.g., a new orbit).