LIGHTSAIL-A

LIGHTSAIL-A is no longer on orbit
LIGHTSAIL-A is classified as:

NORAD ID: 40661

Int'l Code: 2015-025L

Launch date: May 20, 2015
Source: United States (US)
Launch site: AIR FORCE EASTERN TEST RANGE (AFETR)
Decay date: 2015-06-16

Uplink (MHz):
Downlink (MHz): 437.435
Beacon (MHz):
Mode: 9600bps FSK
Call sign: KK6HIT-1
Status: Reentered

LIGHTSAIL-A is a solar sail project developed by the Planetary Society, a global non-profit organization devoted to space exploration. The kite-shaped spacecraft, which was announced in 2009, has a total cross-section of 32 square meters (340 sq ft), and is fitted with guidance and diagnostic electronics. Taking advantage of the technological advances in micro- and nano-spacecraft over the past five years, LightSail-A is based on a 3-unit Cubesat spacecraft. One units form the central electronics and control module, and two additional units house the solar sail module. Cameras, additional sensors, and a control system are added to the basic Cubesat electronics bus. LightSail-A has four triangular sails, arranged in a diamond shape resembling a giant kite. Constructed of 32 square meters of mylar, LightSail-A is placed in an orbit over 800 kilometers above Earth, high enough to escape the drag of Earth's uppermost atmosphere. At that altitude the spacecraft is subject only to the force of gravity keeping it in orbit and the pressure of sunlight on its sails increasing the orbital energy. The mission will give a good, clean trial of sunlight as a means of propulsion.