Sailing through Space: Advancing Space Exploration with Maneuverable Solar-Sailed Small Satellites

The study, conducted by members of the Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC) within the Small Satellites Project Group (SSPG), aims to demonstrate the potential of MSSS formations through a hypothetical multi-destination, multi-decade mission spanning the inner to outer solar system, this study showcases how the MSSS enables ambitious exploration endeavors impractical with conventional spacecraft.

Contributors: 

Rishabh Maurya*, Sourav Ghosh, Abishek Shrestha, Bibin Francis, Nishya Aandi, Hayrunnisa KARAVAR, Apoorv gupta, Daniel Wischert, Haifa Almofareh, Raghad Nedal Ali

The key benefits of solar-sail-based spacecraft include:

1. Fuel Efficiency

2. Enhanced Mission Duration

3. Low Cost

4. Higher Speed

5. Mission Flexibility

6. Reduced Mass

7. Increased Payload Capacity

8. Mission Sustainability

9. Gravity Assists during Mission

10. Maneuverability

11. Robustness in Space Environment