A report proposes that solar sails for spacecraft be made from nets of carbon fibers. The reason for choosing carbon nets over thin polymeric films is that nets offer greater capability for carrying tensile loads. The sails could be made from carbon-fiber nets of various thicknesses: nets used for high emissivity could be made from nanotube carbon fibers; nets for holding aluminum reflectors could be made from micron-thickness fibers; nets to carry tensile loads in sails could be made from fibers with thicknesses between 10 and 100 µm; and nets to carry large bulk loads and loads in high-stress areas could be made from fibers with thicknesses from 100 to 1,000 µm.
This work was done by Charles Garner of Caltech for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. To obtain a copy of the report, "Carbon Net Solar Sail," access the Technical Support Package (TSP) free on-line at www.nasatech.com/tsp under the Materials category.
NPO-20852
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Solar Sails Would be Made From Carbon Nets
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Overview
The document presents a report on the innovative use of carbon fiber nets for constructing solar sails in spacecraft, developed by Charles Garner at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). The report emphasizes the advantages of using carbon fiber nets over traditional thin polymeric films, particularly their superior capability to handle tensile loads, which is crucial for the structural integrity and performance of solar sails.
Solar sails are a form of spacecraft propulsion that utilizes the pressure of sunlight for movement. The proposed carbon fiber nets can be tailored in thickness for various applications. For instance, nets designed for high emissivity could utilize nanotube carbon fibers, while those intended to support aluminum reflectors would be made from micron-thickness fibers. Additionally, nets that need to carry tensile loads in the sails would be constructed from fibers ranging from 10 to 100 micrometers in thickness. For applications requiring the support of large bulk loads or those in high-stress areas, fibers with thicknesses between 100 and 1,000 micrometers would be employed.
The report underscores the potential of these carbon fiber nets to enhance the performance and durability of solar sails, making them a promising alternative to existing materials. The work is part of ongoing research and development efforts at JPL, which is known for its pioneering contributions to space exploration technology.
The document also includes a disclaimer stating that references to specific commercial products or manufacturers do not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government or JPL. It clarifies that the research was conducted under NASA's sponsorship, ensuring that the findings are rooted in rigorous scientific inquiry.
Overall, this report highlights a significant advancement in spacecraft design, showcasing how innovative materials like carbon fiber nets can revolutionize solar sail technology. By improving the efficiency and effectiveness of solar sails, this research could play a vital role in future space missions, enabling spacecraft to harness solar energy for propulsion in a more effective manner. The findings reflect JPL's commitment to exploring new technologies that can enhance the capabilities of space exploration.
