Solar sail for orbital maneuvers
US11905044B2 · kind B2 · utility
3Cited by
3References
20Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 9, 2021 |
| Grant date | Feb 20, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 27, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64G1/2227
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A solar sail includes a bus and a plurality of separate movable vanes coupled to the bus. Each movable vane includes a reflective surface for generating solar radiation pressure and propel the solar sail in space. Each vane may be movable relative to the bus in a fully deployed configuration such that an amount of thrust generated by solar radiation pressure on each vane is controllable.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.