• Olhonestjim@lemmy.world
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      3
      ·
      edit-2
      10 days ago

      As a matter of fact, yes! Tacking a sail side to side allows a sailboat to sail upwind in a zig zag pattern. With a solar sail, a spacecraft can tack away from the direction of orbit, slowing down to reduce its escape velocity, and allowing the Sun’s gravity to pull it closer. All using no fuel.

      Veritaseum breaks down the principle. https://youtu.be/jyQwgBAaBag