Solar sails could reach Mars in just 26 days (phys.org)

submitted 2 years ago by throws_lemy@lemmy.nz to c/space@beehaw.org

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[-] Pons_Aelius@kbin.social 29 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago)

While a promising line of research it should be noted that 26 day headline only applies to rapid delivery of small payloads (sub-kilogram) throughout the solar system.

Quote:

For the study, the researchers conducted simulations on how fast a solar sail made of aerographite with a mass up to 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds), including 720 grams of aerographite with a cross-sectional area of 104 square meters, could reach Mars

So, this is more about sending micro-satellites to the outer planets than it is about sending human or cargo missions..

[-] Spzi@lemm.ee 12 points 2 years ago

Also

The researchers note that one major question of using solar sails is deceleration, or slowing down, upon arriving at the destination, specifically Mars, and while they mention aerocapture as one solution, they admit this still requires further study.

[-] IndefiniteBen@leminal.space 6 points 2 years ago

Sounds like it's probably best to work out all these issues with small payloads before scaling up to human transport.

[-] Fermion@feddit.nl 8 points 2 years ago

It can't really be scaled up to human carrying capacity. The density of solar wind is very sparce. Any sail large enough to accelerate a human habitat would itself become too heavy.

[-] drbluefall@toast.ooo 1 points 2 years ago

So I guess we're back to the drawing board.

Do we got those nuclear engines kicking around anywhere?

[-] Blapoo@lemmy.ml 7 points 2 years ago

Good point. I'd be so down for an army of micro-sattelites just cruising the solar system just taking pics

[-] NigelFrobisher@aussie.zone 22 points 2 years ago

How long would it take to send just Elon?

[-] comedy@kbin.social 12 points 2 years ago

His fat head would probably slow things down a good bit, unfortunately

[-] flora_explora@beehaw.org 3 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago)

Weird comment. Lookism isn't cool, even if targeted at horrible and powerful people like Elon Musk. ~~Also, how would more mass/larger surface slow anything down in space where there is no air resistance/drag??~~

[-] comedy@kbin.social 6 points 2 years ago

I was referencing his ego ("fat head"). Save the scolding for your undoubtedly large collection of cats.

[-] StringTheory@beehaw.org 5 points 2 years ago

https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/fathead

In common North American usage “fat head” and “big head” imply hubris or pride, as well.

[-] anguo@lemmy.ca 4 points 2 years ago

More mass needs more energy to accelerate or decelerate. If you change the object's mass without changing thrust (I guess sail size here), it will definitely take more time to get there.