The Planetary Society's LightSail 2 satellite represents a notable space mission with the primary objective of testing and advancing solar sail propulsion technology in Earth's orbit. Solar sailing harnesses the pressure of photons from the Sun's light to generate thrust for spacecraft, enabling them to navigate through space without conventional engines.
LightSail 2 is the second mission in the Planetary Society's LightSail program, building upon the achievements of LightSail 1. The satellite is equipped with a large, reflective sail designed to capture and utilize sunlight's momentum to produce continuous and controlled thrust.
This mission successfully deployed its sail and demonstrated its capability to adjust its orbit solely through solar sail propulsion.
