Solar sailing is a technology that has transitioned from science fiction to reality. Solar sails theoretically allow one to control a spacecraft without propellant expenditure, as it utilizes photons emitted by the Sun as fuel. Moreover, solar sails also unlock specific destinations that are unattainable with conventional rocket engines. Despite their significant potential and the successful launch of several demonstrator missions, solar sails also face justified skepticism, and some have not even heard of it. The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive view on the current state and prospects of solar sailing, as well as on its historical development and key technological components, without diving into technical details. For this a detailed historical overview is provided of how the idea of solar sailing has evolved and of what missions have been launched. The overview is complemented with a discussion of potential application areas and technological & scientific challenges of solar sails. In conclusion, the author offers an assessment of the current developmental status and future potential of solar sail technology.
Keywords:
solar sail, review, history, mission, technology, challenges, prospects
