space hard mcq

Solar sails propel spacecraft using momentum transfer from reflected photons, achieving continuous acceleration without propellant.

  1. True - demonstrated by IKAROS/LightSail
  2. False - theoretical only
  3. True - but requires laser beaming
  4. False - violates conservation laws

Answer: True - demonstrated by IKAROS/LightSail

IKAROS (2010) and LightSail-2 (2019) validated photon pressure propulsion; enables indefinite missions limited only by sail degradation/orbital mechanics.

Topic Space Missions - Technology
Exam Relevance UPSC Prelims, General Science

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