On Friday, July 23, 1999 10:22 PM Ross A. Finlayson <raf@tiki-lounge.com>
wrote:
If my memory's correct, NASA already did have at least one satellite with
panels on it that used light pressure to maneuver. This was in Earth orbit.
Anybody else recall this?
>In terms of intra-solar travel, solar sails are great because they require
no
>reaction mass. This means they could maneuver indefinitely around, barring
>space junk collision or other regular or irregular space travel dangers.
>Satellites with solar sails and gyrodynes could have very very long
>lifespans. Things should be built to last thousands of years.
It's too bad no one has yet placed one in space. (A few groups have come close.)
Cheers!
Daniel