NASA testing solar sails
NASA is testing a solar sail developed by California-based ATK Space Systems. The sail, made from a synthetic fabric 100 times thinner than a piece of paper, is a prototype of a version that NASA hopes can be used to catch photons and power spacecraft within a few years. The space agency has already spent $30 million on space-sail development. NASA isn't the only agency planning to use solar winds; Japan's Institute of Space and Astronautical Science launched a rocket that deployed a solar sail in August 2004.
Filed under: Misc. Gadgets
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
housedigital @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM
That's like so Episode II... Count Dooku style. That's how NASA gets down.
dibbs, in search of self @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM
i heard a while few months ago that they can reach the nearest star (Proxima Centauri, which is 4.2 light years away) in just ten years!
Luxury Larry @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM
this is by far one of the queerest projects draining out financial resources as a country. space sales? mars missions? light years?
who gives a crap?
when will people start raising hell about our current problems (iraq, osama bin missing, corporate scandals, etc) and quit screwing around with these LAME science fair ideas.
BOGUS!
Electric Monk @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM
It's called resources.
Earth has a very finite amount of resources and in certain areas (oil) we are starting to run out.
Our solar system alone has enough resources for the foreseeable future.
Other solar systems can of course provide more yet.
Basically if we don't go into space we'll wind back up as a purely agrarian (using only completely renewable resources; wood, plants, animals) society with no hope of advancing once again because all accessible resources will be exhausted.
And after a a few billion years of being farmers the sun will explode and, if we're not all dead already, that will be the end of the human race.
Comforting isn't it?
Mike @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM
What next the solar horse and buggy?
dj @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM
@Luxury Larry: You STINK! zark off
hail sci/tech!