Japanese solar sail probe, Ikaros, has demonstrated that sunlight can provide increasing thrust for space travel. Although the amount measured is extremely small at the present time, it is expected to be able to continue to increase, giving it enough thrust for interstellar travel, which is an eventual goal for the probe. Next-to-last step on the list, is to adjust the angle of the probe to control increase and decrease velocity in a controlled manner. If successful, it will then be off on an interstellar mission.
Nothing was indicated (in the article) as to what that mission is, but I assume it's to simply to aim it toward another star. At some point on its interstellar journey, signals would become so weak that communication is likely to be impossible. The craft would be on its own. In addition, nothing was indicated as to the eventual speed the craft is expected to reach, although it could well become the fastest manmade object in history.
SPACE.com -- Japanese Solar Sail Successfully Rides Sunlight
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
