SOLAR SAIL
AND SOLAR
CELL
PROPULSION
ABSTRACT:
SOLAR SAIL: A solar sail spacecraft has large reflective sails that
capture the momentum of light from the Sun and use that
momentum to push the spacecraft forward. The Planetary Society’s
LightSail 2 mission is one example of this technology in action.
SOLAR CELL: any device that directly converts
the energy of light into electrical energy through
the photovoltaic effect
Solar sails use the pressure of sunlight for
INTRODUCTI
propulsion, angling toward or away from the
Sun so that photons bounce off the reflective
ON:
sail to push a spacecraft. This eliminates
heavy propulsion systems and could enable
SOLAR SAIL
longer duration and lower-cost missions.
Although mass is reduced, solar sails have
been limited by the material and structure of
the booms, which act much like a sailboat’s
mast. But NASA is about to change the
sailing game for the future.
Solar cells can be arranged into large groupings
INTRODUCTI
called arrays. These arrays, composed of
many thousands of individual cells, can
ON:
function as central electric power stations,
converting sunlight into electrical energy for
SOLAR CELL
distribution to industrial, commercial, and
residential users. Solar cells in much smaller
configurations, commonly referred to as
solar cell panels or simply solar panels, have
been installed by homeowners on their
rooftops to replace or augment their
conventional electric supply.
WORKING PRINCIPLE
SOLAR SAIL:
The sail is made of a lightweight,
reflective material that reflects photons
from the sun. The photons have
momentum and bounce off the sail,
transferring that momentum to the sail
and giving it a small push.
SOLAR CELL:
The working of solar cells involves light photons
creating electron-hole pairs at the p-n junction,
generating a voltage capable of driving a current across
a connected load.
WORKING OF SOLAR SAIL
Solar sails propel spacecraft by using how it's angled towards or away from
the pressure of sunlight to push against the sun.
•
a reflective sail: 5. Continuous thrust
1. Photons Solar sails provide a continuous, slight
•
Light is made up of photons, which are thrust, unlike chemical rockets that
• •
particles that have momentum and provide short, powerful bursts of
•
energy but no mass. thrust.
2. Reflection
When photons hit a solar sail's mirror-
•
like surface, they bounce off,
•
transferring their momentum to the
sail.
3. Acceleration
Each photon bounce provides a small
•
push, which changes the sail's speed in
•
the vacuum of space.
4. Direction
The sail's direction is determined by
•
•
WORKING OF SOLAR SAIL
Solar electric propulsion
(SEP) uses solar panels to
•
generate electricity that propels
a spacecraft through space:
Solar panels: Collect sunlight
and convert it to electricity
•
Ionization: The electricity
ionizes an inert gas propellant,
•
like xenon or krypton
Acceleration: Electric and
magnetic fields accelerate the
•
ions, creating a plasma plume
that propels the spacecraft
COMPARATIVE
SUMMARY
SOLAR SAIL
ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
Continuous Propulsion ● Slow Initial Acceleration
Fuel-Free Operation
●
● Dependence on Sunlight
Cost-Effectiveness
●
● Large Sail Area
Deep Space Exploration
●
Requirement
Eco-Friendly
●
● ● Vulnerability to Damage
● Limited Maneuverability
SOLAR CELL
ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
● Efficiency Dependence on Sunlight
● Continuous Power Lower Thrust
●
Supply Complexity
●
● Controllable Thrust Cost
●
● Lightweight Limited Propellant
●
● Environmentally Friendly Choices
●
● Degradation of Solar
Cells
APPLICATIONS
SOLAR SAIL SOLAR CELL
Deep Space Missions Satellite Operations
Interplanetary Missions
•
Probes and Science Missions
•
Spacecraft Propulsion
•
Interstellar Missions
•
Earth Observation
•
Space Debris Management
•
Crew Missions
•
Educational and Outreach
•
Space Robotics
•
Projects
•
Deep Space Exploration
•
Satellite Technology
Planetary Defense
•
Long-Duration Missions
•
Research and Development
•
Planetary Defense
•
• •
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, both solar sail and solar cell propulsion
represent innovative approaches to harnessing solar
energy for space exploration.
Solar Sails utilize the momentum from sunlight,
providing a unique method for continuous
acceleration in deep space. Their lightweight design
and fuel-free operation make them ideal for long-
duration missions and interplanetary travel.
Solar Cell Propulsion, on the other hand, converts
sunlight into electricity to power electric propulsion
systems. This technology is widely used in satellites
and space missions, offering controllable thrust and
efficient power generation for a variety of
applications.
THANK
YOU!
