Solar Sails for Space Exploration - The Development and Demonstration of Critical Technologies in Partnership

M. Leipold, D. Kassing, M. Eiden & L. Herbeck

This article presents results of a joint ESA/DLR effort to pre-develop the technologies required to validate the concept of space exploration by solar sailing. This co-operative effort is considered a prototype for a new form of partnership with other space agencies and industrial partners involved in technology R&D aimed at exploiting new application opportunities.