Review of Solar Magnetic Sailing Configurations for Space Travel

A solar magnetic sailing spacecraft utilizes the interaction between solar wind and magnetic field that is generated by a loop of superconducting wire attached onboard of the spacecraft. The development of the working principle of solar magnetic sailing from MagSail to magnetospheric plasma propulsion and magneto-plasma-sail is reviewed and discussed to study their performance, focusing on its operation for interplanetary travel. The orbital dynamic of MagSail is elaborated to explore the probable trajectories of interest for space travel. Examples for MagSail interplanetary travel are discussed for insight and future continuing work.