Solar sail deployment, JAXA
Launched on May 21st, the Small Solar Power Sail Demonstrator “IKAROS” has successfully deployed its sails.
Scientists from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) have confirmed the expansion of the sails. Furthermore, power was being generated through its thin film solar cells at nearly 500 miles (770 kilometers) from Earth.
According to a June 11 JAXA statement: “We will measure and observe the power generation status of the thin film solar cells, accelerate the satellite by photon pressure, and verify the orbit control through that acceleration. Through these activities, we will ultimately aim at acquiring navigation technology through the solar sail.”
IKAROS stands for Interplanetary Kite-craft Accelerated by Radiation Of the Sun.
This innovative craft was launched in May along with Japan’s Venus Climate Orbiter “AKATSUKI”, using an H-IIA launch vehicle.
IKAROS is billed as the world’s first solar powered sail craft employing both photon propulsion and thin film solar power generation during its interplanetary cruise.
By LD/CSE