Correct Answer : NASA
NASA recently launched a groundbreaking space mission from New Zealand, deploying the Advanced Composite Solar Sail System spacecraft aboard Rocket Lab’s Electron rocket. This innovative spacecraft utilizes solar energy for propulsion, marking a significant leap in space exploration technology.
Mission Overview :
The spacecraft, equipped with a solar sail, was launched from
New Zealand at 3:30 am IST and is set to orbit
1,000 kilometers above Earth. Upon deployment, the sail will measure approximately 80 square meters, harnessing sunlight to navigate through space.
Key Objectives :
The primary objective of the mission is to demonstrate the effectiveness of solar sail propulsion, paving the way for future missions with reduced reliance on heavy propulsion systems. Through a series of pointing maneuvers, the mission aims to showcase the orbit-raising and lowering capabilities solely using the pressure of sunlight on the sail.