How do I simulate a solar sail?

Open this page and use the live Rocket Equation tool below — set your inputs and the simulation runs instantly in your browser using real numerics. No install, no account needed.

Yes. The simulation runs free in your browser. A one-time unlock or a Pro plan adds advanced parameters, saved presets, data import, and clean exports.

Can I use my own numbers?

Absolutely — every input is adjustable, and with data import you can drive a solar sail from your own measurements.

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Rocket Equation for a solar sail

Simulate a solar sail live in your browser. This runs the real Rocket Equation solver — adjust the inputs, watch it respond instantly, and export the result. No install, no account.

For:Students Researchers Educators Engineers Hobbyists & Makers K-12 Students First Responders

Rocket Equation (Tsiolkovsky)Live

the tyranny of the rocket equation

Controls

Presets

Specific impulse Isp (s)

Mass ratio m₀/mf per stage

Number of stages

Δv = Isp·g·ln(m₀/mf). Because Δv grows only with the log of the mass ratio, reaching orbit (~9.4 km/s) demands enormous propellant fractions — which is exactly why rockets stage.

▶ Run in Python

Data Inspector

Exhaust velocity2.94 km/s

Δv per stage4.74 km/s

Total Δv4.74 km/s

Reaches LEO?no

Governing equation

Δ v = v_{e} ln \frac{m _{0}}{m _{f}} = I_{s p} g_{0} ln \frac{m _{0}}{m _{f}} = 300 \cdot 9.81 \cdot ln 5 = 4.74 km/s

Reading this result: Short of orbit by 4.7 km/s. Because Δv scales only with ln(mass ratio), raise Isp, lift the mass ratio, or add a stage rather than just adding propellant.

Runs locally in your browser — free forever. Scale to the cloud when reality gets heavy.

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About this simulation

The full Rocket Equation tool models a solar sail with the same numerics engineers and scientists use — running entirely client-side. Change any parameter and the result updates in real time, so you can build intuition, check a design, or teach the concept without spreadsheets or installs.

More you can do with Rocket Equation

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Other ways to simulate a solar sail

Rocket Equation for a solar sail Orbital Transfer for a solar sail Airfoil Lift & Drag for a solar sail Glide Performance for a solar sail Rocket Staging for a solar sail Atmospheric Reentry for a solar sail

Frequently asked questions

How do I simulate a solar sail?: Open this page and use the live Rocket Equation tool below — set your inputs and the simulation runs instantly in your browser using real numerics. No install, no account needed.
Is it free?: Yes. The simulation runs free in your browser. A one-time unlock or a Pro plan adds advanced parameters, saved presets, data import, and clean exports.
Can I use my own numbers?: Absolutely — every input is adjustable, and with data import you can drive a solar sail from your own measurements.