The average intensity of sunlight at the top of the atmosphere is 1380W/m2 . A small spacecraft with a solar sail with area 1.00 km2 placed there reflects sunlight for propulsion.
(a) What is the radiation pressure on the sail?
(b) What is the force on the sail?
(c) The spacecraft has a mass of 10 000 kg. What is its acceleration?
(d) Starting from rest, how long would it take to reach 17 000 m/s? Give your answer in days.
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