First Solar Power Sail Demonstration by IKAROS

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) will make the world’s first solar power sail craft demonstrate for both its photon propulsion and thin film solar power generation during its interplanetary cruise. The spacecraft deploys and spans its membrane of 20 meters in diameter taking the advantage of the spin centrifugal force. The spacecraft weighs approximately 300kg, launched together with the agency’s Venus Climate Orbiter, PLANET-C in 2010. This will be the first actual solar sail flying an interplanetary voyage.