Radiation Pressure
Radiation pressure is the pressure exerted upon any surface exposed to electromagnetic radiation. In space and astronautical engineering, radiation pressure is an important factor to consider when designing spacecraft and their components. The pressure can cause damage to sensitive equipment and can also be harnessed for propulsion. Radiation pressure is caused by the transfer of momentum from photons to the surface they strike. This momentum transfer can be calculated using the Poynting-Robertson effect or the Yarkovsky effect, depending on the size and composition of the object. Radiation pressure is also a factor in the design of solar sails, which use the pressure from sunlight to propel a spacecraft. The ability to accurately predict and control radiation pressure is crucial for the success of many space missions.
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