Slashdot Mirror
Ikaros Spacecraft Successfully Propelled In Space
An anonymous reader writes "Japan's IKAROS spacecraft has already successfully deployed the first solar sail in space, but today it made the only first that really matters: it successfully captured the sun's rays with its 3,000-square-foot sail and used the energy to speed its way through space. Each photon of light exerts 0.0002 pounds of pressure on the 3,000-square-foot sail, and the steady stream of solar exposure has succeeded in propelling the nearly 700-pound drone."
Someone should ask the writers why they can stand outside on a summer's day and no be pounded into the pavement.
"Each photon of light exerts 0.0002 pounds of pressure" I was knocked over when I read that!
No...thank the Holy Google. I am merely an Earthly conduit.
That's why I stay indoors.
Doesn't it make you feel good to know that our freedoms are protected by politicans, lawyers and journalists.
You must be new here...
Someone should ask the writers why they can stand outside on a summer's day and no be pounded into the pavement.
They are not pounded into the ground because reflected light from the pavement pounds back with an upward force.
We'll just save that for the dupe.