Abstract
Solar sails are currently being studied and developed as alternate propulsion vehicles that can provide high velocities. Their ability to reflect photons coming from the sun on a large lightweight reflective surface enables many unique space science missions. One such mission is the GeoSail mission, for which the aim is the study of Earth's magnetotail. Recent advances in solar sail technologies, satellite bus miniaturization, and attitude control motivate the present, study of an alternate systems design approach for GeoSail. This paper details a practical systems approach toward the design of a 40 x 40 m sail, focusing on the design and use of niche enabling technologies with applications to the proposed GeoSail mission. The study is based on mission kind system design requirements from ESA's technology reference studies, which focus on the development of strategically important technologies in preparation of future scientific missions: in this case, for the 2015-2025 time frame.