Deploying and controlling light sails involves several sophisticated mechanisms:
- Deployment: The sail is typically packed into a small, compact form during launch. Upon reaching space, it is deployed using a combination of mechanical arms and centrifugal force. - Control: Adjusting the orientation of the sail relative to the light source (e.g., the Sun) allows for control over the direction and speed of the spacecraft. This is often achieved using tiny actuators or by altering the shape of the sail through material properties.
