"Revolutionary Solar Sails Slash Mars Travel Time to 26 Days"

A recent study explores the potential of using aerographite solar sails for faster and more efficient space travel to Mars and interstellar space. Solar sails, which use sunlight for propulsion, could dramatically reduce travel time and fuel requirements. Simulations showed that a solar sail made of aerographite could reach Mars in just 26 days and the heliopause (interstellar medium) in 5.3 years. The low density and mechanical properties of aerographite make it an advantageous material for solar sails. However, deceleration upon arrival at the destination remains a challenge that requires further study.