SolarWind 0 Posted April 9, 2004 Ever wonder about that? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
headborg 1 Posted April 10, 2004 yes...someday...sure Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Odie 0 Posted April 10, 2004 NASA has several models on solar sails. :o Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SolarWind 0 Posted April 10, 2004 For Real? Is there a link? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Odie 0 Posted April 10, 2004 For Real? Is there a link? Here is the link: Solar Sails Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jim Phaserman 0 Posted April 10, 2004 I think a Solar sail provides some good options, However, I think when we have advanced, and save, forms of powerful propulsion systems, we may see Solar Sails fitted to space vessels as a backup, much as sails were fitted to early steamships. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Odie 0 Posted April 10, 2004 Maybe, but first solar sails have to but into production. Even then that is years from now. Who knows what will happen after solar sails. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WEAREBORG4102 0 Posted April 10, 2004 Well they have to be made of very strong material.... A dust particle traveling at 10,000 mph can rip away titanium.... And this depends on the distance from the sun... They are limited to distance from stars.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Odie 0 Posted April 10, 2004 (edited) Check out my prior post that has a link to one of NASA web sites. Edited April 10, 2004 by Odie Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jeanway 0 Posted April 10, 2004 Oh thank you so much, it is Heavenly :P The old sailing ships are something I've always loved. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Odie 0 Posted April 10, 2004 You are welcome. "I am glad to be of service," by Andrew in "Postronic Man" Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stoned_vulcan 0 Posted April 10, 2004 i doubt they will antimatter is the way to go.. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Odie 0 Posted April 10, 2004 (edited) Right now antimatter is very expense just produce one once. The use of it right now may not be cost prohibitive. Please don't get me wrong, it will have applications in space, but not right now. Here a link that will explain antimatter: Antimatter Edited April 10, 2004 by Odie Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nik 0 Posted April 10, 2004 I believe the Russians have launched and tested small solar sails with controllable vanes. Their success was commensurate with the current level of technology. (i.e., It didn't function on any practical level, but was a good first step.) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites