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.