Developed AprilNav, an Indoor Navigation and Localization System for Autonomous Testing of Electric Sail Dynamics

Abstract: An electrostatic sail (E-sail) is a new type of propulsion which harnesses the Sun’s solar wind to propel a spacecraft. Voyager I took about 40 years to reach interstellar space using solid rocket propellant, whereas electrostatic sails can travel the same distance in 6-10 years by using small but constant acceleration. As part of Marshall Space Flight Center’s (MSFC) Space Systems Dept. and Advanced Concepts Office, we are continuing research for the HERTS (Heliopause Electrostatic Rapid Tra…