The IKAROS solar vessel, fully open

2010/06/17 Aulestiarte Lete, Izaro - Elhuyar Zientziaren Komunikazioa

• Astronautika

In the image above it is confirmed that the solar vessel IKAROS, launched by the Japanese space agency JAXA, has extended completely. Despite its launch on May 21, JAXA has had to wait a few days to highlight the success of its mission. He explains that he is already on his way to Venus.

IKAROS has 20 meters diagonal, from one corner to another, but only has 0.0075 millimeters thick. The thrust towards navigation is not produced by the solar wind, but is propelled by the impulse of photons emitted by the Sun.

The designs made to date have not been successful, since they have had problems to fully open the sailboats. This is the first time a solar sailboat expands or expands in space.

Photo: JAXA