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Solar Sail Control Actuator ConceptsThe thrust produced by a solar sail is a direct function of its attitude. Thus, solar sail thrust vector control is a key technology that must be developed for sailcraft to become a viable form of deep-space transportation. The solar sail community has been studying various sail Attitude Control System (ACS) actuator designs for near Earth orbit as well as deep space missions. These actuators include vanes, spreader bars, two-axis gimbals, floating/locking gimbals with wheels, and translating masses. This paper documents the various concepts and performs an assessment at the highest level. This paper will only compare the various ACS actuator concepts as they stand at the publication time. This is not an endorsement of any particular concept. As concepts mature, the assessments will change.
Document ID
20040161557
Acquisition Source
Marshall Space Flight Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
David Mangus
(Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, Maryland, United States)
Andy Heaton
(Marshall Space Flight Center Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, United States)
Date Acquired
August 22, 2013
Publication Date
September 5, 2004
Subject Category
Spacecraft Propulsion And Power
Meeting Information
Meeting: Solar Sail Technology and Applications Conference
Location: Greenbelt, MD
Country: US
Start Date: September 28, 2004
End Date: September 29, 2004
Sponsors: Goddard Space Flight Center
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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