Planetary Society to launch solar sail demonstrator in May
Posted: Tue, Jan 27, 2015, 7:43 AM ET (1243 GMT)
The Planetary Society announced Monday that it will launch a small spacecraft designed to test solar sail technology in May. The nonprofit organization said it first LightSail spacecraft, a 3U CubeSat, will fly as a secondary payload on an Atlas 5 rocket launching in May from Cape Canaveral. The spacecraft will spend four weeks in orbit testing out its systems before deploying a set of Mylar sails on booms four meters long. Atmospheric drag will keep the sail from generating thrust, but will test systems for a second spacecraft, planned for launch in 2016, that will fly in a higher orbit. The organization ultimately hopes to show that solar sails, which generate thrust from the small but continuous pressure on the sails from sunlight, can be used for cost-effective solar system exploration.
The Planetary Society announced Monday that it will launch a small spacecraft designed to test solar sail technology in May. The nonprofit organization said it first LightSail spacecraft, a 3U CubeSat, will fly as a secondary payload on an Atlas 5 rocket launching in May from Cape Canaveral. The spacecraft will spend four weeks in orbit testing out its systems before deploying a set of Mylar sails on booms four meters long. Atmospheric drag will keep the sail from generating thrust, but will test systems for a second spacecraft, planned for launch in 2016, that will fly in a higher orbit. The organization ultimately hopes to show that solar sails, which generate thrust from the small but continuous pressure on the sails from sunlight, can be used for cost-effective solar system exploration.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
NASA puts ISS spacewalks on hold to investigate suit issue
Posted: Sun, May 22 9:13 AM ET (1313 GMT) |
|
news links
|
|
Thursday, May 26
SpaceX Launches Fifth Rideshare Mission
Aviation Week — 6:08 am ET (1008 GMT) SpaceX's Transporter 5 launches with remains of 47 people for 'space burial'
UPI — 6:08 am ET (1008 GMT) SpaceX launches first Armenian satellite
Public Radio of Armenia — 6:05 am ET (1005 GMT) SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet surpasses 400,000 subscribers globally
CNBC — 6:05 am ET (1005 GMT) Lawsuit Challenges FAA License For Spaceport Near Cumberland Island National Seashore
National Parks Traveler — 5:58 am ET (0958 GMT) |
