Electric sails are potentially more effective than light sails near most stars. (March 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lingam, Manasvi; Loeb, Abraham
• Is Part Of: Acta astronautica. Volume 168(2020)
• Page Start: 146
• Page End: 154
• Publication Date: 2020-03
• Subjects: Astronautics -- Periodicals; Outer space -- Exploration -- Periodicals; Astronautics; Periodicals; 629.405
• DOI: 10.1016/j.actaastro.2019.12.013
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0094-5765

Abstract

Abstract: Electric sails are propulsion systems that generate momentum via the deflection of stellar wind particles through electric forces. Here, we investigate the relative merits of electric sails and light sails driven by stellar radiation pressure for F-, G-, K- and M-type stellar systems. We show that electric sails originating near M-dwarfs could attain terminal speeds of ~ 500 km/s for minimal payload masses. In contrast, light sails are typically rendered ineffective for late-type M-dwarfs because the radiation pressure is not sufficiently high to overcome the gravitational acceleration. Our analysis indicates that electric sails are better propulsion systems for interplanetary travel than light sails in proximity to most stars. We also delineate a method by which repeated encounters with stars might cumulatively boost the speeds of light sails to ≳ 0.1 c, thereby making them more suitable for interstellar travel. This strategy can be effectuated by reaching ~ 10 5 stars over the span of ~ 10 Myr. Highlights: Properties of electric sails studied for different stellar systems. Electric sails were compared with light sails powered by stellar radiation. Electric sails outperform light sails for most stellar systems. Electric sails capable of achieving terminal speeds of 500 km/s for M-dwarfs. Method proposed to boost overall speed of light sails to the relativistic regime.