What this work contributes
Reports a total solar irradiance estimate of 1360.8 ± 0.5 W/m² for the 2008 solar minimum using SORCE/TIM measurements and radiometric tests. The solar-sail calculator uses 1361 W/m² as a rounded engineering reference at one astronomical unit.
Where the evidence stops
Solar irradiance varies over time. This reference is not a live flux measurement or a complete sail performance model.
Original source
Greg Kopp; Judith L. Lean. A new, lower value of total solar irradiance: Evidence and climate significance. Geophysical Research Letters 38, L01706 (2011).
DOI: 10.1029/2010GL045777
How we use it
This record belongs to Photon momentum. Its evidence label describes the cited work, not the maturity of a Metric Flight device. Follow the original methods, corrections and conditions before transferring a result to a different geometry or scale.
Editorial note reviewed 19 October 2026. AI assisted research discovery and synthesis. Citation metadata and claims were checked against primary publication or institutional records; full-text access varies. Read the source for the complete method.