Japan launches the IKAROS solar sail
On May 21, 2010, Japan launched the IKAROS solar sail.
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The Event
On May 21, 2010, Japan launched the IKAROS solar sail.
The Scientific Context
The spacecraft tested propulsion by sunlight using a thin membrane deployed after launch.
From flight to results
A launch established that the vehicle was on its way. Any later observations, deployments or crew operations came at distinct points in the flight.
Reading the Historical Record
The sources below provide the reference points for this account. Use the date and named people or places to distinguish this event from related episodes.
About the Historical Recreation
The proposed visual shows a period-accurate vehicle or spacecraft on its launch stand, followed by a wide illustrative view of the flight environment. It is an AI illustration, not archival footage or an eyewitness record.
Sources
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