Heliogyro Solar Sail Research at NASA

• Published in: NASA Center for AeroSpace Information (CASI). Conference Proceedings
• Main Authors: Wilkie, W Keats, Warren, Jerry E, Lyle, Karen H, Littell, Justin D, Bryant, Robert G, Thomson, Mark W, Walkemeyer, Phillip E, Guerrant, Daniel V, Lawrence, Dale A, Gibbs, S Chad, Dowell, Earl H, Heaton, Andrew F, Juang, Jer-Nan, Horta, Lucas G
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Hampton NASA/Langley Research Center 11.06.2013
• Subjects: Dynamic structural analysis; Feasibility studies; Missions; R&D; Research & development; Solar sails; Technology assessment

The recent successful flight of the JAXA IKAROS solar sail has renewed interest within NASA in spinning solar sail concepts for high-performance solar sailing. The heliogyro solar sail, in particular, is being re-examined as a potential game-changing architecture for future solar sailing missions. In this paper, we present an overview of ongoing heliogyro technology development and feasibility assessment activities within NASA. In particular, a small-scale heliogyro solar sail technology demonstration concept will be described. We will also discuss ongoing analytical and experimental heliogyro structural dynamics and controls investigations and provide an outline of future heliogyro development work directed toward enabling a low cost heliogyro technology demonstration mission ca. 2020.