Carbon Sails for Gossamer Spacecraft Attitude Control

It is well known that light and other electromagnetic radiation can exert pressure on matter, which is the basis for photon sail propulsion. Less well known is that light can also exert controlled torque and in-plane tension on sails that have suitable electromagnetic properties. Although these effects are potentially effective aids to deployment and remote control of gossamer spacecraft, they have not been investigated either analytically or experimentally. This project shall investigate these effects with the goal of developing materials, design tools, and gossamer spacecraft control strategies. Phase 1 will analyze the thrust, tension, and torque produced when polarized electromagnetic radiation interacts with anisotropic sails. Experiments will be performed on tailored carbon microtruss sails using an ultra-sensitive vacuum torsion wire technique to directly measure low-power microwave radiation pressure and torque. Advanced sail designs will be drafted and applications to gossamer spacecraft control will be assessed. Phase 2 would further develop the technology, including numerical and analytical methods, carbon sail processing, and ground testing in vacuum at low power. Concepts for experiments in microgravity (parabolic flight) and at higher power will be developed. ~000022 ~