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Japanese Deploy Solar Sail

Posted by timothy on from the ix-as-an-archipeligo dept.

Chuck1318 writes "The Japanese ISAS (Institute of Space and Astronautical Science) announced the launch and deployment of the first ever large-scale solar sail. In the news release they state "Because it carries no fuel and keeps accelerating over almost unlimited distances, it is the only technology now in existence that can one day take us to the stars.""

5 of 433 comments (clear)

  1. Obvious Answer by rf0 · · Score: 4, Funny

    Solar Anchor :)

    Rus

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  2. Re:Stellar Pong? by Marsala · · Score: 4, Funny

    That's why one crew member will be trained extensively in the use of tin snips in zero-gee environments.

    Although that'd be a great way to freak out an alien race... Kind of like pulling a Rama on 'em.

  3. Re:Ironically by andreMA · · Score: 5, Funny
    Why would you want to go to the sun. You'll just die.
    That, of course, is why you go at night!
  4. Solar sailing by antikarma · · Score: 4, Funny

    It won't be a viable method of transportation between solar systems until it has an anti-pirate defense system. Giant solar sails just scream "come and get me space pirates."

  5. Re:Stellar Pong? by Scarblac · · Score: 4, Funny

    The right reply: "But Sir, I said we ran out of fuel"

    "and besides, complete stop related to what, Sir?"

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