Use Of Parabolic Solar Concentrators To Improve The Performance Of An Interstellar Solar Sail

G. L. Matloff. (1996), JBIS, 49, pp.21-22

Refcode: 1996.49.21

Abstract:

Since Bloomer’s 1966 paper, a number of authors have examined the utility of  “passive” solar reflectors (as opposed to “active lasers”) positioned near the sun and used to transmit solar energy/momentum to a departing interstellar spacecraft. Although not explicitly discussed in previous studies, one limitation to the application of passive reflectors is the finite angular extent of the Sun.