Photogravimagnetic assists of light sails: a mixed blessing for Breakthrough Starshot?

• Published in: arXiv.org
• Main Authors: gan, Duncan H, Heller, René, Hippke, Michael
• Format: Paper Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Ithaca Cornell University Library, arXiv.org 30.10.2017
• Subjects: Charging; Deceleration; Ejection; Lorentz force; Magnetic fields; Magnetism; Physics - Instrumentation and Methods for Astrophysics; Physics - Solar and Stellar Astrophysics; Radiation pressure; Red dwarf stars; Sails; Stellar magnetic fields; Trajectories

Upon entering a star system, light sails are subject to both gravitational forces and radiation pressure, and can use both in concert to modify their trajectory. Moreover, stars possess significant magnetic fields, and if the sail is in any way charged, it will feel the Lorentz force also. We invest...