Like the seafarers of old, future spacecraft could be getting around under the power of sails. But of course, with no wind in space, these sails are catching another method of propulsion – photons from starlight. The tech is soon due to be demonstrated in action onboard LightSail 2, a small satellite due to launch next week.
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Tau.Neutrino said:
LightSail 2 CubeSat launches next week to test photon propulsion system that could take us interstellarLike the seafarers of old, future spacecraft could be getting around under the power of sails. But of course, with no wind in space, these sails are catching another method of propulsion – photons from starlight. The tech is soon due to be demonstrated in action onboard LightSail 2, a small satellite due to launch next week.
more…
Developed by the Planetary Society, LightSail 2 is a CubeSat about the size of a loaf of bread. It’s kitted out with cameras and communication equipment, but the main attraction of course is the solar sail. Once deployed, this mylar sail will measure 32 m2, or about the size of a boxing ring.
The thrust is roughly equal to the weight of a paperclip.
But that’s not too different to the Pioneer effect, so it should be measurable.
The CubeSat will stay in Earth’s orbit, but use solar photons to push it further out, changing the shape of its orbital path. LightSail 2 will adjust the angle of the sail repeatedly during its orbit, so the face is open to the light as the craft moves away from the Sun, and then angling it side-on as it swings towards it.
Using conservation of angular momentum rather than onboard propulsion i hope.
“This process will make LightSail 2’s orbit more elliptical, bringing the lowest points of its orbit closer to the Earth’s atmosphere. Eventually, atmospheric drag will cancel out the photon thrust, which will end the experimental phase of the mission. Its job done, LightSail 2 will continue to orbit the planet for about a year after that, before finally being dragged back down and burning up on re-entry.”
I approve of that.