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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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Bringing an effective solar sail design toward TRL 6

This document outlines the accomplishments of a Phase 1 effort to advance the technology readiness level of the concept from 3 toward a TRL of 6. The Phase 1 effort, the first of three proposed phases, addressed the design of the solar sail, its application to several missions currently under review at NASA, and developed a ground test plan to bring the technology toward a TRL of 6.

Pappa, Richard↗

Solar Sail Optimal Orbit Transfers to Synchronous Orbits

A constant outward radial thrust acceleration can be used to reduce the radius of a circular orbit of specified period. Heliocentric circular orbits are designed to match the orbital period of Earth or Mars for various radial thrust accelerations and are defined as synchronous orbits. Minimum-time solar sail orbit transfers to these synchronous heliocentric orbits are presented.

Powers, Robert B.↗