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Solar sails are a proposed form of spacecraft propulsion using large membrane mirrors. Radiation pressure is small and decreases by the square of the distance from the sun, but unlike rockets, solar sails require no fuel. Although the thrust is small, it continues as long as the sun shines and the sail is deployed.

Solar collectors, temperature-control panels and sun shades are occasionally used as expedient solar sails, to help ordinary spacecraft and satellites make minor corrections to their attitude and orbit without using fuel. This conserves fuel that would otherwise be used for maneuvering and attitude control.

The science of solar sails is well-proven, but the technology to manage large solar sails is still undeveloped. Mission planners are not yet willing to risk multimillion dollar missions on unproven solar sail unfolding and steering mechanisms. This neglect has inspired some enthusiasts to attempt private development of the technology, such as the Cosmos 1.

The concept was first proposed by German astronomer Johannes Kepler in the seventeenth century. It was again proposed by Friedrich Zander in the late 1920s and gradually refined over the decades.

 

Speaking

 

1. You are to prepare a report for student’s scientific conference. Proposed topics are:

A) modern trends in aircraft engines

B) spacecraft power plants

In your report you should compare different types of power plants, highlight their advantages and disadvantages, analyze their conformity with purposes of the aircraft. Conduct an investigation to find out some more information.

 

 

UNIT 9

The Landing Gear

Preparing to Read

Give a definition to the term “landing gear”. Try to predict what performances the landing gear must have.

Match the keywords with their translations.

1. undercarriage a. каркас

2. take-off b. шина

3. landing c. хвостовая опора

4. oleo unit d. масляный агрегат

5. tyre e. посадка

6. nose over f. шасси

7. skid g. капотировать

8. framework h. взлёт

 

Reading

 

Read the text and write a brief heading for each paragraph.