Solar sails (also known as lightsails, light sails, and photon sails) are a method of spacecraft propulsion using radiation pressure exerted by sunlight on large surfaces.

A solar sail spacecraft has large reflective sails that capture the momentum of light from the Sun and use that momentum to push the spacecraft forward. The Planetary Society’s LightSail 2 …

Aug 8, 2025 · Just as a sailboat is powered by wind in a sail, solar sails employ the pressure of sunlight for propulsion, eliminating the need for conventional rocket propellant.

Jul 3, 2019 · Solar sails are a spacecraft propulsion method utilizing a curious quirk of photons. These particles of light have no mass and yet when they impinge on something, they can …

Mar 19, 2025 · Solar sails—spacecraft that harness the gentle but relentless pressure of sunlight—represent one of the most elegant and potentially revolutionary methods of deep …

Jan 16, 2025 · By harnessing the power of sunlight, these innovative devices can propel spacecraft through space without the need for fuel. In this article, we will delve into how solar …

Sep 21, 2025 · Solar sails are the only method of spacecraft propulsion in which no fuel is needed. Until recently spacecraft powered by solar sails were the stuff of science fiction.

Apr 16, 2024 · Solar sails are spacecraft propulsion systems that use the momentum of photons emitted by the sun for propulsion. These sails utilize large, lightweight reflective materials to …

Sep 10, 2010 · A solar sail is a large, lightweight mirror used to propel a spacecraft using the pressure exerted by sunlight. In essence, it works like a sailboat. Whereas a sailboat is …

Apr 10, 2024 · Solar sails use the pressure of sunlight for propulsion, angling toward or away from the Sun so that photons bounce off the reflective sail to push a spacecraft. This eliminates …