Comparative analysis by different types of the solar-sailing spacecraft leaving the Earth's action sphere

Abstract

The paper discusses the functioning of different
construction types for the solar-sail spacecraft at the geocentric maneuver to achieve parabolic speed. Authors propose to use locally-optimal control laws to obtain the dynamic scheme. Three types of solar sail are considered, such as balloon-type, frame-type, and rotary-type. The research was carried out using a computer-aided design system taking into account the gravitational, inertial and light pressure forces acting on the solar sail. The finite element models of three solar-sail structures are developed and compared.