The LightSail 2 solar sailing technology demonstration

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. (C) 2020 COSPAR. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Automated summary

The LightSail 2 mission, sponsored by The Planetary Society, aims to advance solar sailing technology, and has successfully demonstrated controlled solar sailing in Earth orbit. The mission utilizes a CubeSat platform and has effectively controlled its orientation relative to the Sun during solar sailing operations.