LightSail 2: Controlled Solar Sail Propulsion Using a CubeSat
- Paper number
IAC-19,C4,8-B4.5A,2,x51593
- Author
Dr. Bruce Betts, United States, The Planetary Society
- Coauthor
Dr. David Spencer, United States, Purdue University
- Coauthor
Dr. John Bellardo, United States, Cal Poly, SLO
- Coauthor
Mr. Bill Nye, United States, The Planetary Society
- Coauthor
Mr. Alex Diaz, United States, Ecliptic Enterprises Corporation
- Coauthor
Ms. Barbara Plante, United States
- Coauthor
Mr. Justin Mansell, United States, Purdue University
- Coauthor
Mr. Michael Fernandez, United States, Cal Poly, SLO
- Coauthor
Mr. Cole Gillespie, United States, Cal Poly, SLO
- Coauthor
Dr. Darren Garber, United States, NXTRAC
- Year
2019
- Abstract
The Planetary Society’s LightSail 2 mission will seek to demonstrate, for the first time, controlled solar sail propulsion using a CubeSat sized spacecraft. Its precursor test mission, LightSail 1, flew a successful mission in 2015. LightSail 2 is scheduled to fly in the next few months. LightSail 1 demonstrated functionality of the 3U CubeSat spacecraft and deployment of a 32 square meter solar sail. Whereas LightSail 1 was a test mission with an altitude too low to demonstrate controlled solar sailing because of atmospheric drag, LightSail 2 will fly high enough to enable demonstration of controlled solar sailing. LightSail 2 will launch on the third launch of the SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket, as part of the U.S. Department of Defense Space Test Program-2 payload. On orbit, LightSail 2 will deploy from the Georgia Tech led Prox-1 spacecraft selected to fly as part of the University Nanosat Program. Based on lessons learned from LightSail 1 and the required capabilities for the LightSail 2 mission, we have made numerous modifications, additions, and upgrades to hardware and software to improve the spacecraft function and operability relative to LightSail 1. LightSail 2 also significantly expands the Attitude Determination and Control Subsystem (ADCS). LightSail 2 will demonstrate controlled solar sailing by spending half of every 90 minute orbit with the sail perpendicular to the sunlight, gathering momentum from light hitting the sails. Then, the spacecraft will rotate 90 degrees to “feather” the sail as the spacecraft heads back in the Sun direction. It then rotates 90 degrees again and the process repeats, thus altering the orbit. This presentation will give details on the modifications and improvements to LightSail 2 compared to LightSail 1, the concept of operations for LightSail 2, and the testing done to maximize LightSail 2’s probability of success. Launch will likely occur before IAC 2019 in which case mission results will be presented. The LightSail program is entirely privately funded through contributions from Planetary Society members and donors worldwide. More information on the LightSail program can be found at sail.planetary.org
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-19,C4,8-B4.5A,2,x51593.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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