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Nov. 13, 2009
Solar Sail Spacecraft
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| The Planetary Society plans to power a spacecraft using the pressure of sunlight reflecting off huge solar sails. The first craft in the project, dubbed 'LightSail,' is scheduled to take flight by the end of 2010. LightSail-1, a demonstration craft, will have four triangular sails made of 32 square meters of mylar, arranged in a kite-like diamond shape. Planned later efforts will go further using the technology. We'll talk with Louis Friedman, Executive Director of The Planetary Society, about his group's plans. |
Produced by Christopher Intagliata, Associate Senior Producer
Guests
-
Louis Friedman
Executive Director
The Planetary Society
Pasadena, California
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Brilliant Blunders
by Mario Livio
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