The LightSail is a special spacecraft, developed by the non-profit Planetary Society, that consists of a CubeSat about the size of a shoebox. It was designed by California-based Stellar Exploration.
The craft is named as such because once it is deployed, it will harness the pressure from sunlight to push itself along in a phenomenon referred to as solar sailing. The satellite is being designed to be light enough to be pushed by sunlight yet sturdy enough to move along and maintain its shape without collapsing. The satellite's design will be tested over the course of a four week stint.
The second LightSail flight is scheduled for 2016, at which time solar sailing will be demonstrated in the Earth's orbit.
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Solar Sailing
- The development of spacecrafts that harness the pressure from sunlight to propel themselves, presenting opportunities for sustainable and efficient space exploration.
- Cubesat Technology
- The advancement and miniaturization of CubeSats, enabling cost-effective and versatile space missions.
- Lightweight Design
- The creation of sturdy yet lightweight spacecraft designs that can maintain their shape without collapsing, allowing for increased maneuverability and mission flexibility.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Space Exploration
- The space industry can benefit from solar sailing technology to enhance propulsion systems and enable longer and more efficient space missions.
- Satellite Manufacturing
- Manufacturers can leverage the development of CubeSat technology to produce compact and affordable satellites for a range of applications, including communication and remote sensing.
- Aerospace Engineering
- The aerospace industry can capitalize on lightweight design innovations to enhance the performance and efficiency of various aircraft and spacecraft systems.
