Japan to Launch First Solar-Powered Deep Space Craft

[Monster]

April 28, 2010 (slashdot, via inhabitat) - On May 18th, Japan's Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) will launch Ikaros, a fuel-free spacecraft that relies completely on solar power. The spacecraft's 46-foot-wide sails are thinner than a human hair and lined with thin-film solar panels. After a rocket brings the craft to space, mission controllers on the ground will steer Ikaros by adjusting the sails' angles, ensuring optimal radiation is hitting the solar cells. If the mission proves successful, the $16M spacecraft will be the first solar sail-powered craft to enter deep space.

Original article (Slashdot) -- Source article (Inhabitat)

The source article actually has some really nice images and explanations of the craft. (see attachments)

 

[monsieurjohn]

I've read about this as a plausible method for high-speed, long distance space travel. The main drawback, if I recall correctly, is that if any kind of space debris or micrometeoroid hits your sail, you're screwed. And the odds of that are slim but increase over a long trip.

 

[Monster]

Here's an update on the mission:
National Geographic
It was successfully launched on May 21.

 

[DaUnknownAdm!n]

I have to question the durability of such a craft. But I guess they believed in it enough to built and launch it, so it will be interesting to see what happens over the next few years.

 

[Monster]

The only thing that worries me is that the articles keep talking about photons ... as if the solar wind was made of nothing else ... I hope they did their computations correctly. I figure the craft might take on much more speed than expected ...

:drink: