// PROPULSION SYSTEMS AND ENGINE TECHNOLOGY TERM
Magnetic Sail
A magnetic sail is a proposed spacecraft propulsion system that uses a strong magnetic field to deflect charged particles from the sun, known as solar wind. This deflection creates thrust, pushing the spacecraft through space without using any propellant.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
A magnetic sail, or magsail, is a theoretical propellantless propulsion system for spacecraft that generates thrust by creating a large artificial magnetosphere using superconducting coils. This magnetic field interacts with the charged plasma of the solar wind, exchanging momentum to accelerate or decelerate the vehicle, a concept also explored in Mini-Magnetospheric Plasma Propulsion (M2P2) and for magnetic braking.
BACKGROUND
A magnetic sail is a proposed method of spacecraft propulsion where an onboard magnetic field source interacts with a plasma wind to form an artificial magnetosphere that acts as a sail, transferring force from the wind to the spacecraft requiring little to no propellant as detailed for each proposed magnetic sail design in this article.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- magsail
- magnetosail
- plasma sail
- M2P2
- magnetic parachute
- solar wind sail
USAGE NOTE
This term is used in advanced propulsion research for potential deep-space missions, often cited for its efficiency on long-duration voyages.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Magnetic Sail.
A NASA field center that is a leader in spacecraft propulsion research. Its Advanced Concepts Office and Propulsion Research and Development Laboratory investigate and mature advanced technologies, including magnetic and plasma sails, often through programs like NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC).
A major aerospace and defense contractor. Through its acquisition of Aerojet Rocketdyne, which had previously acquired MSNW LLC, it holds the intellectual property and expertise from the development of the Plasma Magnet Sail concept, originally funded by a NASA NIAC grant.
Japan's national aerospace agency, known for its successful IKAROS solar sail mission. JAXA's research institutes actively study and propose advanced propulsion concepts, including MagnetoPlasmaSail (MPS) variants for future deep space missions.
A technology development company focused on advanced space propulsion and power systems. They have received NASA NIAC funding to study concepts like the Magnetoshell for atmospheric entry, which utilizes principles similar to a magnetic sail.
An academic research laboratory that was a pioneering center for the development of magnetic sail concepts like the Mini-Magnetospheric Plasma Propulsion (M2P2) system under researchers Robert Winglee and John Slough. It continues to conduct research in related plasma physics and electric propulsion.
A university-affiliated research center that designs and builds spacecraft and instruments for NASA and other agencies. APL leads concept studies for future missions, such as the Interstellar Probe, which evaluates the feasibility of advanced propulsion systems including magnetic and solar sails.
A federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) that provides technical guidance and analysis for national security space programs. Their research staff assesses the viability of advanced future technologies, including novel propulsion concepts like magnetic sails.