Solar Sail

Space Systems

World's most advanced solar sail rockets into space

The world's most advanced solar sail spacecraft began its epic odyssey as it lifted off atop a Rocket Lab Electron launcher from Launch Complex 1 in Mahia, New Zealand. It was one of two payloads on the Beginning Of The Swarm mission.

The final image sent back by LightSail 2, before the mission came to an end as the spacecraft burned up on reentry into Earth's atmosphere

Space Systems

LightSail 2 mission reaches fiery end after 3-year solar sailing demo

After three years circling the Earth, the Planetary Society’s LightSail 2 mission has come to an end following a fiery reentry. The satellite was an important tech demo for solar sailing, which could eventually propel spacecraft to other stars.

Marine

Rigid solar EnergySail set for sea trials next year

Eco Marine Power is preparing to put its rigid solar energy sails through their paces next year. The EnergySail from EMP can harness the power of the wind and sun at the same time, for high-efficiency transport on the high seas.