Solar “Meta-Sails” for Agile Optical Force Control

We propose to use metasurfaces as a means of controlling optical forces for increasing the range of motions in spacecraft solar sails. Specifically, we present a theoretical study of metasurface structures that allow one to achieve attractive, lateral, and rotational forces, in addition to the conventional repulsive force. Such solar “meta-sails” may facilitate future travels in the solar system and toward exoplanets.