Imagine sailing through space without a drop of fuel—sounds like science fiction, right? But that’s exactly what solar sails promise, and a groundbreaking new technique could revolutionize how we navigate the cosmos. While solar sails have long been hailed for their propellant-free propulsion, one major hurdle has persisted: how do you steer them without a rudder? Traditional methods like reaction wheels or tip vanes have their flaws—they’re either heavy, power-hungry, or prone to failure. But here’s where it gets exciting: researchers Gulzhan Aldan and Igor Bargatin from the University of Pennsylvania have turned to an ancient Japanese art form, kirigami, to solve this modern problem. And this is the part most people miss—kirigami isn’t just about cutting paper; it’s about transforming flat surfaces into dynamic, 3D structures that can manipulate light in ingenious ways.
Kirigami involves strategically cutting and reshaping materials, and in this case, it’s used to create intentional ‘buckles’ in solar sails. These buckles tilt the sail’s surface, altering how light reflects off it. Think of it as turning the sail into a mosaic of tiny mirrors, each redirecting sunlight at a precise angle. Thanks to the conservation of momentum, the sail moves in the opposite direction of the reflected light, allowing for controlled steering. But here’s the controversial part: could this ancient art form outperform modern technology in space exploration?
Traditional methods like reaction wheels rely on propellant and add significant weight, while tip vanes are mechanically complex and fragile. Reflectivity Control Devices (RCDs), though advanced, drain power continuously. Kirigami sails, however, use minimal power—only when servo motors adjust the buckles. This efficiency could be a game-changer, but it raises questions: Are we ready to embrace such a radical approach? And how will it fare against competing technologies?
To test their idea, Aldan and Bargatin ran simulations and physical experiments. Using COMSOL software, they modeled how light interacts with the buckled sail, confirming that even small forces (1 nN per Watt of sunlight) can steer a sail over time. In the lab, they stretched kirigami-cut film under a laser, observing how the light’s angle shifted as predicted. The results were striking—proof that this method works.
While this technology holds immense potential, it’s not without challenges. Space missions are costly, and experimental opportunities are rare. It could be years before kirigami sails are tested in orbit. But when they are, the sight of a sail gracefully turning using ancient art principles will be nothing short of breathtaking.
So, here’s the question for you: Do you think kirigami sails will become the future of space navigation, or will traditional methods hold their ground? Let’s spark a debate in the comments—agree or disagree, the conversation starts here!
Learn More:
- G. Aldan & I. Bargatin - Low-Power Solar Sail Control using In-Plane Forces from Tunable Buckling of Kirigami Films (https://arxiv.org/abs/2512.13596)
- UT - A Better Way to Turn Solar Sails (https://www.universetoday.com/articles/a-better-way-to-turn-solar-sails)
- UT - Foldable Solar Sails Could Help With Aerobraking and Atmospheric Reentry (https://www.universetoday.com/articles/foldable-solar-sails-could-help-with-aerobraking-and-atmospheric-reentry)
- UT - NASA's Next Solar Sail is About to Go to Space (https://www.universetoday.com/articles/nasas-next-solar-sail-is-about-to-go-to-space)
