Solar Array

[dextrose_lemur]

Comments

[wilsaljo]

i'm wondering if there's a word for an orbit where the object stays in position relative to the sun like that.

you should start working on this right now.

[dextrose_lemur]

I know that is the word geosynchronous orbit meaning that a satellite returns to the same point in the sky (as seen from earth) at the same time everyday. In other words an orbital period of 24 hours like my solar array. If you remember in physics we did calculations for geostationary orbits, a type of geosynchronous orbit where the satellite appears to be stationary in the sky.

[wilsaljo]

i'm thinking there's some complication to that with it pointing towards the sun at all times though, i can't really describe it though.

[dextrose_lemur]

Something I'm worried about is that the required distance for the orbit would be too far away since the object is so massive. It just occurred to me that the force of the solar sails being used to adjust the array would cause the thing to snap off the earth. Something needs to be used to apply force to the other side as well. Ion rockets maybe.