NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Back to Results
Material problems in solar sail developmentThe paper considers the solar sail principle as an effective means of space propulsion. The heliogyro configuration is discussed including the hub structures, the flap-hinge brace assembly, and the blade. The material requirements of the sail film made of metallized polymers, the tendons produced from a polymer-graphite fiber composite, and battens constructed of graphite/epoxy tubings are considered, noting that not all of these materials were readily available. It was concluded that the primary material problems are the environmental degradation of polymer films, the meteoroid hazard, and the production capacity for large polymer film quantities.
Document ID
19800035147
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Steurer, W. H.
Date Acquired
August 10, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1980
Subject Category
Spacecraft Design, Testing And Performance
Report/Patent Number
AIAA PAPER 80-0315
Meeting Information
Meeting: Aerospace Sciences Meeting
Location: Pasadena, CA
Start Date: January 14, 1980
End Date: January 16, 1980
Sponsors: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Accession Number
80A19317
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS7-100
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

Available Downloads

There are no available downloads for this record.
No Preview Available