Accelerator-Based PIXE and STIM Analysis of Candidate Solar Sail Materials

  • W. A. Hollerman
  • , T. L. Stanaland
  • , D. Edwards
  • , P. Boudreaux
  • , L. Elberson
  • , J. Fontenot
  • , E. Gates
  • , R. Greco
  • , M. McBride
  • , A. Woodward

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Solar sailing is a unique form of propulsion where a spacecraft gains momentum from incident photons. A totally reflective sail experiences a pressure of 9.1 μPa at a distance of 1 AU from the Sun. Since sails are not limited by reaction mass, they provide continual acceleration, reduced only by the lifetime of the lightweight film in the space environment and the distance to the Sun. Practical solar sails can expand the number of possible missions, enabling new concepts that are difficult by conventional means. One of the current challenges is to develop strong, lightweight, and radiation resistant sail materials. This paper will discuss initial results from a Particle Induced X-Ray Emission (PIXE) and Scanning Transmission Ion Microscopy (STIM) analysis of candidate solar sail materials.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationApplication of Accelerators in Research and Industry
Subtitle of host publication17th International Conference on the Application of Accelerators in Research and Industry
EditorsJerome L. Duggan, Margaret Hall, Ira Lon Morgan
PublisherAmerican Institute of Physics Inc.
Pages452-455
Number of pages4
ISBN (Electronic)0735401497
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 26 2003
Externally publishedYes
Event17th International Conference on the Application of Accelerators in Research and Industry - Denton, United States
Duration: Nov 12 2002Nov 16 2002

Publication series

NameAIP Conference Proceedings
Volume680
ISSN (Print)0094-243X
ISSN (Electronic)1551-7616

Conference

Conference17th International Conference on the Application of Accelerators in Research and Industry
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityDenton
Period11/12/0211/16/02

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