A Machine Learning Model for Solar Sail Shape Reconstruction Using Flight Data

Solar sail deformation leads to disturbance torques from solar radiation pressure, driving performance requirements for momentum management systems. For the Solar Cruiser technology demonstrator mission, we have developed a model leveraging neural network-based machine learning to derive sail shape characteristics. The model uses torque and attitude telemetry simulated from a reduced-order tensor model of the deformed sail mesh over a characterization sequence. The machine learning model predicts sail boom deflection with comparable accuracy to that of an onboard context camera. This model can discover sail shape with no additional mass or data downlink requirements, allowing for validation of sail force modeling assumptions using in flight data. The results from the project hold promise for the further implementation of machine learning techniques in solar sail telemetry analysis and control.