Above Ground opened a huge solar sail LightSail 2
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Right now orbiting the Earth works a thousand artificial satellites each of which travels through expensive ion engines with a lifespan of not more than three years. If these engines are so expensive and short-lived, why haven't scientists developed a cheaper and reliable option for satellite control? It will surprise many, but he's already created and applied in — he moves around the planet due to the solar particles that push the satellite attached to the sail. A vast and brilliant canvas was deployed on July 23, and it is quite possible to see from Earth.
The Satellite, LightSail 2 the size of a loaf of bread was launched into Earth orbit at the end of June 2019, with the help of the carrier rocket Falcon Heavy. Yes, by itself it is very small, but the area of its sails is almost the same as in the Boxing ring. Originally, the sail was not disclosed, because a scientist it was important to verify the health of the satellite. To verify succeeded on 2 July, when the unit has successfully passed on the Ground of their own .
the New satellite, LightSail
Verify that the satellite, scientists began to test his ability to stick to a given route that the device is always subjected to the sun. The researchers were able to find some errors in the software of the device and quickly fix them with updates. While all this was happening, the unit took a picture where you can see the shape of the Earth, glare from the Sun and various elements of the satellite.
Photos taken by satellite, LightSail 2
Ultimately, the scientists managed to make the camera always was under the influence of the Sun. The most important element of the satellite, a huge sail was disclosed on July 23. The disclosure occurred in two stages: first from the body of the device stretched the supports, and then it lasted four shiny fabric.
the satellite, LightSail 2 is almost the same as in the Boxing ring
Stream of events , however, in addition to the joy of the team of testers after the successful deployment of the sail, the video isn't interesting. The researchers showed exactly how the sail is revealed, and they themselves learned about his disclosure only by monitoring the activity of the motor responsible for the deployment of the four paintings. When they started to stretch on the supports, the motor was active, and when the process was completed, he stopped.
Hats off to the team on deployment, mission success!!
— Planetary Society (@exploreplanets)
How to see a solar sail?
A Huge sail will remain open for 30 days, because the researchers intend to carefully monitor its movement. We might be able to see it with the naked eye — just need to wait till he flies over the territory of Russia. To learn about the current location of the satellite, LightSail 2 .
This is interesting: As melt
What do you think will replace if solar sails currently used in satellites, ion engines? Share your opinion in the comments or at .
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