The Aurora project: A new sail layout

Aurora spacecraft is a scientific probe propelled by a "fast" solar sail wh ose first goal is to perform a technology assessment mission. The main char acteristic of the sail is its low mass, which implies the absence of a plas tic backing of the aluminum film and the lightness of the whole structure. In previous structural studies the limiting factor has been shown to be the elastic stability of a number of structural members subject to compressive loads. An alternative structural layout is here suggested: an inflatable b eam, which is kept pressurised also after the deployment, relieves all comp ressive stresses, allowing a very simple configuration and a straightforwar d deployment procedure. However, as the mission profile requires a trajecto ry passing close to the Sun, a configuration different from the 'parachute' sail proposed in another paper, must be used. (C) 1999 Published by Elsevi er Science Ltd. All rights reserved.