Planetary Society logo
  • “Exploration is in our nature.” - Carl Sagan

LightSail 2 orbit raising

LightSail 2 orbit raising
LightSail 2 orbit raising This animation shows how LightSail 2 raises its orbit by making two 90-degree turns each orbit. As the spacecraft approaches the Sun, it turns the sail edge-on to avoid getting pushed by solar photons. As it moves away from the Sun, it turns perpendicular to incoming sunlight, giving it a push that gradually raises its orbit. Josh Spradling / The Planetary Society