Invited article: Electric solar wind sail: toward test missions.

Area of Science:

• Space propulsion technologies
• Plasma physics and engineering
• Aerospace engineering

Background:

• The electric solar wind sail (E-sail) is a novel propulsion concept leveraging solar wind dynamic pressure for thrust.
• It utilizes long, thin, conductive tethers held at a high positive potential by an electron gun.
• The E-sail's efficiency stems from its ability to create a large effective area, vastly exceeding the physical wire size.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the ongoing technical development of the electric solar wind sail (E-sail).
• To cover key aspects including tether construction, mechanical design, and control strategies.
• To present findings from dynamical and orbital simulations for E-sail applications.

Main Methods:

• Review of current research and development in E-sail technology.
• Analysis of tether materials and construction techniques.
• Exploration of guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) strategies.
• Dynamical and orbital simulations to assess performance.

Main Results:

• An E-sail with 1 N thrust and 100 kg mass is estimated to be feasible in the near future.
• The E-sail concept offers a revolutionary level of propulsive performance (specific acceleration).
• Simulations indicate high potential for efficient solar system travel.

Conclusions:

• The E-sail represents a promising advancement in space propulsion.
• Continued technical development is crucial for realizing its potential.
• E-sail technology could significantly enhance solar system exploration capabilities.