Solar sailing

Solar sailing is a space propulsion method that uses the pressure of sunlight to move a spacecraft. A large, lightweight mirror or sail is deployed in space, and as sunlight hits it, the photons (light particles) transfer momentum, exerting a gentle but continuous push. Over time, this push accelerates the spacecraft without the need for fuel, allowing for long-duration missions. Solar sailing is an energy-efficient way to travel through space, leveraging natural solar radiation for propulsion rather than traditional engines.