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| IKAROS will be launched from the Tanegashima Space Center using the H-IIA. After separation from H-IIA, it will spin at up to 20 rpm (＝ revolution per minute), deploying the membrane and generating solar power by means of thin film solar cells (minimum success level) within several weeks. Acceleration and navigation using the solar sail will then be demonstrated (full success level) within half a year. |
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The shape of the membrane is square, with a diagonal length of 20m. It is made of polyimide and a mere 0.0075mm thick. In addition to the thin film solar cells, the steering devices and dust-counter sensors are fitted to the membrane. |
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| The second mission will take place in late 2010s. It will involve a medium-sized ‘Solar Power Sail’ with a diameter of 50m, and will have integrated ion-propulsion engines. The destinations of the spacecraft will be Jupiter and the Trojan asteroids. Solar sail missions are also being studied in the United States and in European countries. JAXA will lead future solar system exploration using solar power sails. Our missions will lead to lower cost in fabricating the solar cells, whose growth is a key factor for anti-climate change. Those low-cost solar cells are also the foundation of future solar power satellite systems. |
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