Japanese spacecraft deploys solar sail
Posted: Sat, Jun 12, 2010, 10:34 AM ET (1434 GMT)
An experimental Japanese spacecraft launch last month has deployed a solar sail, project officials said late this week. The Ikaros spacecraft, launched on May 21 along with the Venus orbiter Akatsuki, is designed to demonstrate solar sail technologies while en route to Venus. On June 10 the spacecraft completed the deployment of its 200-square-meter sail. The Japanese space agency JAXA plans to use the sail to test its ability to propel and navigate the spacecraft.
An experimental Japanese spacecraft launch last month has deployed a solar sail, project officials said late this week. The Ikaros spacecraft, launched on May 21 along with the Venus orbiter Akatsuki, is designed to demonstrate solar sail technologies while en route to Venus. On June 10 the spacecraft completed the deployment of its 200-square-meter sail. The Japanese space agency JAXA plans to use the sail to test its ability to propel and navigate the spacecraft.
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