Small Solar Power Sail Demonstrator 'IKAROS'
Successful Solar Sail Deployment
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) began to deploy the solar sail of the Small Solar Power Sail Demonstrator "IKAROS" on June 3 (Japan Standard Time). On June 10 (JST,) we have confirmed that it was successfully expanded and was generating power through its thin film solar cells at about 7.7 million km from the Earth.
The IKAROS was launched on May 21, 2010 (JST), from the Tanegashima Space Center.
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.
* In the above computer graphic,
the sails in the process of deployment look like they are slightly swelling,
but they are actually not as expanded as shown in the CG.
* Harness: electric connection between the membrane and the main body
* Tether: mechanical connection between the membrane and the main body
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