Solar power is rapidly changing the way we live on earth, and it is now extending its reach into space with the JAXA 'Ikaros' spacecraft. An abbreviation for 'Interplanetary Kite-Craft Accelerated by Radiation of the Sun,' the JAXA Ikaros is equipped with 46-foot sails embedded with solar cells that will generate power for the ship.
Priced at around $16 million, the JAXA Ikaros spacecraft is definitely a first. An impressive feat to say the least, its true test will be when it launches on May 18th, 2010. Fingers crossed that it flies!
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Solar-powered Spacecrafts
- The merging of solar technology and spacecrafts presents disruptive innovation opportunities in the aerospace industry.
- Interplanetary Kite-craft
- The development of interplanetary kite-crafts is a trend to watch in space exploration.
- Solar Cells in Space
- The integration of solar cells in spacecrafts can lead to a shift in the way energy is generated and utilized in the space industry.
Where This Applies
- Aerospace
- The aerospace industry can benefit from the use of solar-powered spacecrafts which proves to be both sustainable and cost-efficient.
- Space Exploration
- The use of interplanetary kite-craft presents new opportunities in space exploration.
- Renewable Energy
- The integration of solar technology in the space industry could present opportunities for the renewable energy sector.
