SOLAR SAILING CRAFT Russian patent published in 2006 - IPC B64G1/40 B64G1/44 

FIELD: spacecraft engine systems; construction of solar sails.

SUBSTANCE: proposed craft has hull, main and additional circular reflecting surfaces, units for forming such surfaces provided with twisting devices and control units for orientation of these surfaces. Orientation control units are made on base of gimbal mounts brought-out beyond craft hull. Each twisting device is made in form of hoop mounted on outer frame of gimbal mount for free rotation; it is engageable with electric motor. Units for forming reflecting surfaces are made in form of pneumatic systems with concentric pneumatic chambers and radial struts. Said struts are provided with flexible tubes with valves mounted at equal distances. Valves have holes. Built on said tubes are pneumatic cells in form of torus or spheres. Each pneumatic system is mounted on respective hoop and is communicated with compressed gas source through concentric hermetic groove found in hoop and in outer frame of gimbal mount.

EFFECT: reduced responsiveness of solar sail control; possibility of deploying solar sail according to preset program; reduction of mass per unit of surface.

4 cl, 11 dwg