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This publication aims to establish prior art for a novel spacecraft design that utilizes graphene-diamond composites.

June 15, 2026Open Access

Graphene-Diamond Composite Solar Sail Architecture for Propellant-Free Cislunar, Interplanetary, and Interstellar Transport: A Defensive Publication Establishing Prior Art

Key Points

This publication aims to establish prior art for a novel spacecraft design that utilizes graphene-diamond composites.
Integrated spacecraft architecture combining ultra-low density solar sails and piezoelectric energy harvesting.
Exploring four design embodiments for various space mission profiles: cislunar, inner solar system, outer planet trajectories, and interstellar adaptation.
Publication as a defensive means to prevent patent restrictions on the disclosed technologies.
The architecture may significantly reduce or eliminate the need for electrochemical energy storage in space missions.
Four embodiments are designed to maintain propulsion-free methods suitable for transit through cislunar and interplanetary spaces.
All technologies related to the architecture are dedicated to public domain use.

Abstract

This defensive publication places in the public domain an integrated spacecraft architecture combining graphene-diamond composite membranes as ultra-low areal density solar sails, polycrystalline diamond piezoelectric energy harvesting from solar radiation pressure, and continuous-illumination trajectory design. The integration may substantially reduce or eliminate electrochemical energy storage requirements across cislunar, interplanetary, and interstellar mission profiles. Four embodiments are disclosed: cislunar cycler, inner solar system transit, perihelion-boost outer planet trajectories, and laser-driven interstellar adaptation. All embodiments are dedicated to the public domain. No ownership is claimed over constituent technologies. Publication purpose: prior-art establishment preventing subsequent patent enclosure of the disclosed integrated architecture. Keywords: solar sail, graphene, piezoelectric, diamond membrane, cislunar, propellant-free, prior art, defensive publication

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