Controllable Propulsion by Light: Steering a Solar Sail via Tunable Radiation Pressure

Abstract

Switchable reflectivity enables tunable radiation pressure for spacecraft propulsion through the transfer of photon momentum. Solar sails offer a propellant-free alternative for deep space travel; however, they are limited in maneuverability. This new electrically controllable device enables a solar sail to be steered by changing the photon pressure at different parts of the sail.