A Conceptual Study on a Solar Sail Racer to the Moon

Abstract

A conceptual study on a racer to the moon which is propelled by solar light pressure with solar sail was conducted. The racer was assumed to be carried by a launch vehicle, packed in a cylindrical and to start from an near geosynchronous orbit and finish at a certain destination determined in connection with the moon. A spinning type and a three-axes-control type of spacecraft were designed. Structural and thermal analyses were performed and guidance and control of each spacecraft were studied. As a result, problem areas for design of such a racer were made clear and useful data to determine racing rules to the moon were obtained.