Abstract: Optical wing structures were theoretically and numerically analyzed, and prototype arrays of wings called optical flying carpets were fabricated with solar sail material clear polyimide (CP1). This material was developed at NASA Langley to better withstand damaging ultraviolet radiation found in outer space. Various optical wing sizes and shapes were analyzed to develop design strategies for thrust and torque applications. The developed ray-tracing model has undergone continual advancement, a...

Source: Steering of Solar Sails Using Optical Lift Force