Scalable Optically-tuned Lamellar cerAmic Reflective Intra-heliospheric Sail (SOLARIS)

We propose Scalable Optically-tuned Lamellar cerAmic Reflective Intra-heliospheric Sail (SOLARIS), an innovative solar sail designed to explore the inner heliosphere extremely close to the Sun (perihelion of 0.03 AU, or ~6.45 solar radii). SOLARIS employs a scalable, three-layer ceramic structure with honeycomb-corrugated geometry, optimized for thermal stability (up to 2000 K, 3-4 times higher than polymer solar sails), structural integrity, and constructive optical interference. At this distance (0.03 AU) and temperatures (~2000 K, assuming absorptivity of 0.007 and emissivity of 0.08), SOLARIS significantly improves thermal resilience compared to traditional polymer-based sails (e.g., aluminized polyimide), while maintaining low areal density, high broadband reflectivity, and ease of scaling beyond 1600 m². Importantly, our scalable fabrication process does not require photo or e-beam lithography. SOLARIS provides critical capabilities for heliophysics and interplanetary science, especially for NASA missions requiring a large Delta-v (through Oberth maneuver), such as (1) high-inclination solar imaging, (2) out-of-the-ecliptic maneuvering, (3) accessing hard-to-reach asteroids, and (4) fast transit to the solar gravity lens. In comparison, traditional aluminized polyimide sails (IKAROS) operate under 600 K and cannot safely approach within even 0.2 AU of the Sun. The anticipated outcome of this Phase I project is to provide NASA scientists with Goeppert’s proof-of-concept development of the three-layer, honeycomb-corrugated, broadband-reflective ceramic sail. The funding sought in this proposal is intended for the modeling, fabrication, and characterization of SOLARIS. This work sets the stage for further collaboration with NASA MSFC team to align our work to their needs. Target markets include next-generation heliophysics and interplanetary science missions led by NASA and private space companies, as well as the industry of high-temperature reflective materials.