Topic
LightSail 2
About: LightSail 2 is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 4 publications have been published within this topic receiving 29 citations.
Papers
6 Jan 2020
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present an assessment of the LightSail 2 satellite attitude determination and control performance along with the resulting changes in its orbit due to controlled solar propulsion, and conclude by offering lessons learned.
Abstract: The Planetary Society’s LightSail 2 satellite was launched June 25th, 2019, and has successfully demonstrated controlled solar sail propulsion using a CubeSat for the first time. This paper presents an assessment of the spacecraft’s attitude determination and control performance along with the resulting changes in its orbit due to controlled solar propulsion. The results of on-orbit testing, important anomalies, and ongoing activities are also discussed. We conclude by offering lessons learned.
21 citations
1 Jan 2020
TL;DR: The LightSail 2 mission as discussed by the authors is the culmination of a decade-long program sponsored by The Planetary Society to advance solar sailing technology, which demonstrated controlled solar sailing in Earth orbit using a CubeSat platform.
Abstract: The LightSail 2 mission is the culmination of a decade-long program sponsored by The Planetary Society to advance solar sailing technology. The objective of LightSail 2 is to demonstrate controlled solar sailing in Earth orbit using a CubeSat platform. The LightSail 2 attitude is controlled using a single-axis momentum wheel and magnetic torque rods. During solar sailing operations, two 90 degree slews are performed each orbit to harness momentum from solar photons. Flight data show that LightSail 2 is successfully controlling its orientation relative to the Sun, and the controlled thrust from solar radiation pressure is measurably reducing the rate of orbital decay. The Planetary Society declared LightSail 2 mission success on July 31, 2019. This paper provides an overview of the LightSail 2 mission implementation, including the design of the flight system and flight software, and the pre-launch testing program. A summary of LightSail 2 mission operations is provided, including a description of the ground system. Solar sailing performance is presented, and anomalies encountered during the mission are discussed. The flight team continues to refine solar sailing performance and conduct on-orbit imaging for engineering purposes and to engage public interest. The LightSail program is entirely donor-funded, with over 50,000 contributors around the globe.
3 citations
20 Sep 2016
TL;DR: In this article, an external high energy laser (HEL) was used to provide momentum to an ultra-lightweight (gossamer) spacecraft for ground to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) demonstration at delivered power levels that only illuminate a spacecraft without causing damage to it.
Abstract: This paper adds to the body of research related to the concept of propellant-less in-space propulsion utilizing an external high energy laser (HEL) to provide momentum to an ultra-lightweight (gossamer) spacecraft. It has been suggested that the capabilities of Space Situational Awareness assets and the advanced analytical tools available for fine resolution orbit determination make it possible to investigate the practicalities of a ground to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) demonstration at delivered power levels that only illuminate a spacecraft without causing damage to it. The degree to which this can be expected to produce a measurable change in the orbit of a low ballistic coefficient spacecraft is investigated. Key system characteristics and estimated performance are derived for a near term mission opportunity involving the LightSail 2 spacecraft and laser power levels modest in comparison to those proposed previously by Forward, Landis, or Marx. [1,2,3] A more detailed investigation of accessing LightSail 2 from Santa Rosa Island on Eglin Air Force Base on the United States coast of the Gulf of Mexico is provided to show expected results in a specific case.
2 citations
TL;DR: The LightSail 2 mission as discussed by the authors is the culmination of a decade-long program sponsored by The Planetary Society to advance solar sailing technology, which demonstrated controlled solar sailing in Earth orbit using a CubeSat platform.
Performance Metrics
| Year | Papers |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2020 | 2 |
| 2016 | 1 |