Student-led missions deploy free-flying light sails from CubeSats in low Earth orbit

AI Summary

Students from Cornell's Space Systems Design Studio have successfully conducted experiments deploying light sails from CubeSats in low Earth orbit. These small, lightweight solar sails utilize photon momentum for propulsion, representing innovative advancements in space technology and nanosatellite communications.

Students in Cornell's Space Systems Design Studio (SSDS) have released mission results for two unique light-sail experiments. These sails are slightly larger than a pizza box and harness momentum from photons to accelerate to high velocities. With ChipSats onboard—gram-scale spacecraft that fit in the palm of your hand—the sails can become free-flyers. They origami-fold into CubeSats for launch and completely separate when deployed, allowing them to be far smaller and lighter than traditional solar sails. The ChipSats provide all ground communications and steering capabilities for a fraction of the mass and cost.