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Solar Wind Surfboard Propulsion

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Solar wind surfboard propulsion is the idea of riding solar wind for satellite propulsion like a surfer rides a wave. The solar surfboard would consist of an array of dynamically configured charged magnetic panels. A sensor trailing the satellite would measure the incoming solar wind polarity and oscillate the surfboard panels so they become attracted and opposed to the solar wind in a manner similar to maglev propulsion. Because solar wind travels slower than the speed of light, the sensors could theoretically detect the incoming charge and change the panel's polarity prior to solar wind's arrival. With proper timing, the satellite could alter its magnetic polarity to either propel towards a star or away from it. If pointed correctly, this propulsion could be used to go from one star to another.


[Maglev Propulsion] [Solar Wind]