Japan Ready to Launch Venus Orbiter, Solar Sail

Japan is ready to launch its Venus Climate Orbiter “Akatsuki” as well as a small solar power sail demonstrator, the IKAROS. The two payloads will be lofted via Japan’s H-2A booster from the Tanegashima Space Center. Liftoff is slated for Monday, May 17 at 5:45 pm east...