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.
Significance of Solar Sail Technology :
The success of this mission holds immense importance as it signifies a shift towards more cost-effective and sustainable space exploration. By harnessing the abundant energy of the sun for propulsion, future missions can utilize larger sails instead of relying on traditional fuel tanks, enabling longer-duration missions at a lower cost.
Insight from NASA’s Lead Systems Engineer :
Alan Rhodes, the lead systems engineer at NASA’s Ames Research Center, emphasized the significance of solar sail technology, stating that it provides a limitless source of propulsion. By capitalizing on the sun’s energy, future missions can maximize efficiency and minimize the need for heavy fuel payloads, revolutionizing the future of space exploration.