From interplanetary to interstellar

Abstract

Space sails are a continuum of near-planar technologies related to solar sails. There exist various synergies among space sails, with scope to be further leveraged towards practical interplanetary and interstellar missions. Accordingly, the objective of this study is to answer two questions. Firstly, how big is the technological gap between present state-of-the-art space sailing and future proposed interplanetary and interstellar missions? Secondly, what are the major risk areas, and how can eventual bottlenecks be overcome? These questions are addressed through a focus on three planned missions with different Technology Readiness Levels, types of stakeholders, and destinations: Solar Cruiser, Project Svarog, and Breakthrough Starshot. Gaps between these missions and currently achievable technologies on subsystem- and system-levels are assessed using the Advancement Degree of Difficulty (AD2[jls-end-space/]) scale, and potential ways forward are proposed. A database of parameters achievable with present technologies is obtained from prior work by the authors. Key risk areas for each mission are mapped out, with attitude control, sail material, and subsystem integration being identified as major ones. It is highlighted that testing of high-risk components in intended environments is essential for lowering the AD2 levels. Moreover, cross-sectoral collaboration and cross-pollination between different types of space sails as well as other technologies is highlighted as a key for finding alternatives to high-risk technologies.