In regards to the James Webb telescope(congrats, NASA!): How does the solar shield NOT act like a solar wind sail, which would cause the telescope to be steadily pushed away from us and require frequent re-alignment?

Question

In regards to the James Webb telescope(congrats, NASA!): How does the solar shield NOT act like a solar wind sail, which would cause the telescope to be steadily pushed away from us and require frequent re-alignment?

In: 143

Answer 1

It does, to a degree. But the spacecraft has fuel the inertia wheels to allow maneuvering to compensate. The sail force is very small.