Solar sail mission applications for non-Keplerian orbits

Abstract

Solar sails have long been considered for a diverse range of mission applications. Most of these applications have been conventional missions where the solar sail is utilised primarily as a means of low thrust propulsion for orbit transfer. For this reason solar sailing has historically been neglected, with more conventional and lower risk forms of propulsion utilised. In this paper new families of non-Keplerian orbits are described which are quite unique to solar sailing. These orbits have novel mission applications, several of which require the use high performance solar sails with small science payloads. Since the orbits and applications are unique to solar sails, they are mission enabling rather than mission enhancing, compelling mission planners to develop and utilise solar sail technology.