Japan to Launch Solar-Powered Spaceship

[paulF]

Here's the link everyone, this is very exciting :)

http://mashable.com/2010/04/28/solar-spaceship/

Regards,
Paul F

[supernova1965]

Very interesting read thanks for sharing:thumbsup:

[Kevnool]

Old spaceship been fyin since May 18, 2010.
Wonder how far this kite is by now ?

Cheers Kev.

[pmrid]

What an unfortunate but somehow predictably Japanese choice of name. Right up there with the Starion and other similar - the spacecraft is being named IKAROS. That is the exact spelling (Greek: Ἴκαρος, Íkaros) of the legandary Icarus.
I hope it flies better than the Starion.
Peter

[Meanderer]

Hi Paul and All,
I was delighted to find some progress of Ikaros, that I posted in a new thread.
Have done so much research lately that I couldn't be sure, this may be the thread of my intro to its existence.
Should of had a quick search first, apologies for that.
Here is the update.
http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/news/...na003000c.html (http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/news/20110127p2a00m0na003000c.html)

I will not profess to know, just thought this to be remarkable.
Wouldn't this technology allow for future solar system and space? exploration at a fraction of the cost, due to its size ? (payload).

Regards George

PS Not sure of protocol, will attempt to delete my thread.

[CraigS]

Has anyone ever seen any quantifiable evidence that this technique of propulsion for deep space travel, has achieved improvements over say, ion propulsion ?

If so, why is the next generation of this 'proof-of-concept' project, making use of ion propulsion in the Jupiter mission ?

Also, it would seem that the cost of sail propulsion technology, would be high at present, due to the large numbers of (unfortunate) problems, during the teething stage.

Cheers

[Meanderer]

Hello,
Am not sure of solar power being preferred to another was the issue?
I thought it was experimental, to maybe have another option or to be in concert with another?
If it could help in the solar system, would this not be of an advantage?
I do not study any of the above and will be well out of my depth here, just asking.

George

[mswhin63]

I think the Ion propulsion is designed to give a speed boost while the solar sails maintain a gradual increased acceleration. Solar sails on their own would take a very long time to reach a decent speed. Ion propulsion fuel could be re-energised by the solar panels on the sails. Nifty idea

Cost is alway expensive in the research phase but these costs usually come down if the project is successful then as long as they have formulated a manufacturing process correctly.

[CraigS]

We seem to have two threads running on this at the moment.

My input/comments will continue over at the Science forum (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?p=681452#post681452) .

Cheers

[Meanderer]

http://www.isas.jaxa.jp/home/IKAROS-blog/

[pmrid]

Thanks George. I'm afraid it might as well be in Japanese - but wait, it IS in Japanese. Now I understand!!

Peter

[Meanderer]

There is a short summary at the end of each one in English, not sure if you were joking :question: :)

[pmrid]

Thanks George, I missed the summary.

Peter!

[Meanderer]

Data supplied in the blogg, sufficient to estimate IKAROS recent speed? I have tried and out my depth and not getting it right?

http://www.isas.jaxa.jp/home/IKAROS-blog/

If there is any interest, appreciate George :ashamed:

[Meanderer]

Hang on 26400 KPH not out of possibility? :confused2:

[pmrid]

I got similar numbers but it all depends on the length of a BlogDay - and since the measure given in the blog is of the distance from earth, account should also be taken of the fact that earth is moving away from the craft at the same time.
Peter.

[Meanderer]

Thank you Peter.

Cheers George

[Meanderer]

Hi all, the page/blog on IKAROS progress has vanished, a few days after Japan's Earthquake, Tsunami. Understandably, just asking for any news that you might know of.
Regards George

[Vartigy]

LOL. That blog is in nihongo. Can't read a word of it. Right clicked as used a page translator... Some very funny reading. Interesting about the Ikaros, but also slightly humourous in how it translates to english.. poorly in places.

When I first saw the title for this thread I instantly thought "Lucasarts.... lawsuit!" Count Dooko's little solar cruiser.

[Meanderer]

Thanks for that it is be back online, I was unable to find for weeks. I don't read Japanese either, there is a smidgen of a summary at the bottom of each in english that tells me its still going at least :thumbsup: