Overview of electric solar wind sail applications

We analyse the potential of the electric solar wind sail for solar system space missions. The applications studied include flyby missions to terrestrial planets (Venus, Mars and Phobos, Mercury) and asteroids, missions based on non-Keplerian orbits (orbits that can be maintained only by applying continuous propulsive force), one-way boosting to the outer solar system, off- Lagrange point space weather forecasting, and low-cost impactor probes for added science value to other missions. We also discuss the generic idea of data clippers (returning large volumes of high-resolution scientific data from distant targets packed in memory chips) and possible exploitation of asteroid resources. Possible orbits were estimated by orbit calculations assuming circular and coplanar orbits for planets. Some particular challenge areas requiring further research work and related to some more ambitious mission scenarios are also identified and discussed.