On 4/16/2016 4:26 PM, Warren D Smith wrote:
Also there now is an additional option of adding spin causing centrifugal outward forces, which could try to compensate for the inward tensional forces.
Spinning the sail is the usual solution. It also gives the sail a stable orientation.
So I actually think this particular problem is not inherently insurmountable, albeit it is annoying to have so many deadweights round rim that all play active control games, rather than just one, like in the press description involving just ONE "chip" .
But anyhow, bottom line is I think the whole "starshot" proposal probably is total no-hope hogwash; it is just that this particular problem is not the reason it is.
I agree. Brent
-- Warren D. Smith http://RangeVoting.org <-- add your endorsement (by clicking "endorse" as 1st step)