Solar Power Sail Trajectory Design for Jovian Trojan Exploration

Abstract

A solar power sail, an extended concept of a pure solar photon sail, is one of the most effective ways of realizing challenging outer deep-space explorations. Thin-film solar cells attached to the surface of the spin-type solar sail membranes generate sufficient electric power to drive highly efficient ion engines even in the outer planetary region. The orbital control capability of the pure solar sail is too small to accomplish the missions within a reasonable period. The ion engines which provide much higher orbital control force than the pure solar sail can realize various outer space missions. JAXA has been preparing for a Jovian Trojan asteroid exploration mission via solar power sail. This paper outlines a solar power sail spacecraft under consideration and discusses the trajectory design method and results for the Jovian Trojan asteroid exploration.