International business machines corporation (20240182184). MANEUVERING SPACECRAFT HAVING SOLAR SAILS simplified abstract

MANEUVERING SPACECRAFT HAVING SOLAR SAILS

Organization Name

international business machines corporation

Inventor(s)

Sarbajit K. Rakshit of Kolkata (IN)

Sathya Santhar of Chennai (IN)

Sridevi Kannan of Tamil Nadu (IN)

MANEUVERING SPACECRAFT HAVING SOLAR SAILS - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240182184 titled 'MANEUVERING SPACECRAFT HAVING SOLAR SAILS

Simplified Explanation

The patent application describes a method for maneuvering a spacecraft using a solar sail when sunlight is not available. This technology can be crucial for smaller satellites that rely solely on solar sails for maneuvering in space.

• Solar sails are used to maneuver spacecraft to different locations or orbits to adjust for orbital decay, avoid collisions with other satellites, or avoid space junk.
• Solar sails cannot rely on the sun when orbiting on the dark side of a planet, so alternative methods are needed for maneuvering in these situations.
• The technology involves identifying other spacecraft within line-of-sight and using them to direct lasers or reflecting sunlight to maneuver the spacecraft to a desired path, such as a new orbit.

Potential Applications

This technology could be used in various space missions where maneuvering in the absence of sunlight is necessary, such as deep space exploration or satellite maintenance.

Problems Solved

This technology solves the problem of maneuvering spacecraft using solar sails when sunlight is not available, enabling continuous operation in various space conditions.

Benefits

The benefits of this technology include increased maneuverability and flexibility for spacecraft, improved orbital control, and enhanced mission capabilities in space.

Potential Commercial Applications

Commercial applications of this technology could include satellite servicing missions, deep space exploration missions, and space debris mitigation efforts.

Possible Prior Art

One possible prior art in this field is the use of laser propulsion systems for spacecraft maneuvering, which has been explored in various research studies and experiments.

How does this technology impact the overall cost of space missions?

This article does not delve into the potential cost implications of implementing this technology in space missions. The cost-effectiveness of using solar sails for maneuvering in different space conditions could be a crucial factor in determining its widespread adoption.

What are the safety considerations associated with using lasers for spacecraft maneuvering?

The safety aspects of using lasers to maneuver spacecraft, especially in close proximity to other satellites, are not discussed in detail in this article. Understanding and addressing potential safety risks and ensuring compliance with space regulations would be essential for the successful implementation of this technology.

Original Abstract Submitted

embodiments herein describe maneuvering a spacecraft using a solar sail when sunlight is not available. smaller satellites may rely solely on solar sails in order to maneuver to different locations (e.g., different orbits) to adjust for orbital decay, avoid collisions with other satellites, or to avoid space junk. however, solar sails cannot rely on the sun when orbiting on the dark side of a planet (e.g., when in the earth's shadow). when a spacecraft should maneuver but the sun is not available as a power source, the embodiments herein describe identifying other spacecraft within line-of-sight (los) of the spacecraft and using these spacecraft to direct lasers (or reflecting sunlight if available) at the spacecraft to maneuver it to a desired path (e.g., a new orbit).