Japan Successfully Deploys First Solar Sail In Space

An anonymous reader writes "This morning the Japanese space agency, JAXA, successfully unfurled a solar sail in space for the first time. Solar sails offer the best hope for deep space exploration because they eliminate the need to carry fuel. The Japanese spacecraft IKAROS created centripetal force by spinning, allowing it to launch the 0.0003-inch-thick sail. While deployment is a challenge in a zero-gravity environment, spacecraft — unlike airplanes — don't have to contend with drag, so with each photon that hits the sail helps the spacecraft gather speed."

come sail away

[54mc]

I thought those crazy japanese were angels, but much to my surprise, they climbed aboard their starship and headed for the skies.

Re:Focus

[Anonymous Coward]

We're kind of like that pathetic ex High School jock that's trying to relive his glory days.

But we threw 4 touchdowns in one game, man. IN ONE GAME!

Re:Which force?

[Fluffeh]

About here is where some physicist jumps up and tells me everything I learned in the past is wrong and I should shut up and sit down.....

Yes. Sit down and shut up. Also, because you didn't pay attention the first time you learned it, I won't waste time explaining it again.

*smirk*

*sips coffee*

Re:Which force?

[Anonymous Coward]

Obligatory xkcd:

http://xkcd.com/123/

Deploying Pierce Brosnan in 3...2...1

[Firehed]

Seriously. If you're going to make a real-life attempt at a Bond plot, at least change the name of your giant solar sail.

Re:Which force?

[sammyF70]

What exists when people forget Newton's first law is a Darwin Award contender (possibly with a posthume leading role in the next anti-drug campaign movie).

Re:1st step in something useful for deep explorati

[blueg3]

Lithobraking is an ingenious term for "fuck it, we'll just crash into the planet".

Re:0.0003-inches ?!

[ArbitraryDescriptor]

Seven point six two micron: Full Metal Ja- er, sorry, just 7.62 microns.

Re:Focus

[Anonymous Coward]

And now we sell shoes, Peg.

Re:0.0003-inches ?!

[bmo]

You don't know how thick it is?

If they said .00762mm, you still wouldn't have been able to visualize it anyway.

This is how you visualize it:

It's 1/10 the thickness of a human hair. Now get out.

--
BMO

Re:Focus

[c6gunner]

Ah, thanks. I was starting to get worried. When the usual talking points don't get trotted out, I start wondering what kind of crap you're coming up with now.

Two words:

[copponex]

Ron Jeremy.