Design, Requirements, and Performance of Space Vehicles with Simple Solar Photon Thrusters

Abstract

This work aims to present and discuss a complete model for the analysis of compound solar sail performance for the simple solar photon thruster configuration. A nonideal formulation of the problem is considered, to determine their feasibility. Realistic operational parameters for these vehicles were defined regarding their optical (reflectivity), mechanical (maintenance of geometry and operation), and physical (mass and thermal properties, among others) limitations, considering their effects on every major component of the vehicle, as well as on the whole unit. Analytical and numerical models of membrane topology control considering diffuse reflectivity, thermal loads, forces and torques, and operational parameters for such structures were developed to study their behavior, and viable sail configurations were derived from these results. It was found that, when physical limitations are considered, a decreased reflective efficiency, coupled with the limitations imposed on the system by the need to achieve a high degree of heat dispersion on the unit, and higher mass inherent to the configuration, makes simple solar photon thrusters a nonviable alternative for space propulsion with the currently available technology. Additionally, a detailed analysis of the thermal and mechanical effects of bringing the secondary reflective unit out of focus was performed.