Elastic, Electrostatic and Spin Deployment of Ultralight Sails

J. Benford; G. Benford (2006), JBIS, 59, 76-80

Refcode: 2006.59.76
Keywords: Solar sails, ultralight structures

Abstract:
Gossamer structures are so diaphanous and fragile that `hands-off’ handling is a very practical requirement. We address deployment of ultralightweight structures, using elastic, charge and spin forces that do not rely on mechanical contact with the large fragile structure. These mechanisms we compare in terms of practical features such as support equipment required.