A new control method increases the energy efficiency of the electric sail

 A study has shown that the tethers may be energised to keep the sail only in those sectors of the sail necessary to produce the maximum amount of directional thrust, but still such that the position of the sail can be maintained relative to the sun. Based on the study, the power unit located on the solar panels of the electric sail can be reduced, thus increasing the performance of the sail.

More information:

Petri Toivanen, tel. +358 29 539  4666, petri.toivanen@fmi.fi

Toivanen P., Janhunen P., and Envall J., Electric sail control mode for amplified transverse thrust, Acta Astronautica, 106, 111-119, doi: 10.1016/j.actaastro.2014.10.031 , 2014.

http://arxiv.org/abs/1411.4440