Eco Factor: Spacecraft to help scientists understand polar climate change will be powered by the pressure of sunlight.
Solar Sailing, a dream for most space engineers can soon meet reality as researchers are planning a spacecraft that will be propelled only by photons and will be lighter to launch and would range further than spacecraft powered by conventional fuel.
Since a solar sailing craft is powered only by light it could be used to stay in orbit that is nearly impossible for conventional satellites that rely on traditional fuels. After the spacecraft is launched into space, it would unfurl giant sails of reflective material. Photons will then strike the sail and transfer energy to the craft.
The choice of the fuel will also enable the satellite to hover continuously above the polar region to provide scientists with a constant view and help them learn the effects of climate change on the poles in a much better way.
Via: TimesOnline
