Robust thrust control authority for a scalable sailcraft

Some options, analyses, and tradeoffs necessary for selection of an effective thrust control method for a square solar sail are discussed. A number of options, configured in different combinations, are compared and analyzed to determine the best fit with representative applications such as an Earth-orbiting validation flight, and likely near-term science missions. An agile sailcraft ACS utilizing auto-trimming ballast masses and quadrant tilt, employed in concert with solid-state micro-thruster technology, is recommended. Several potential sail validation earth orbits are compared and flight planning is explored to find the lowest cost and lowest risk approach for sailcraft deployment, propulsion and thrust control authority demonstration.