Orbit and attitude performance of the lightsail 2 solar sail spacecraft

Justin R. Mansell, David A. Spencer, Barbara A. Plante, Michael A. Fernandez, Cole T. Gillespie, John M. Bellardo, Alex Diaz, Bruce Betts, Bill Nye

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

22 Scopus citations

Abstract

The Planetary Society’s LightSail 2 satellite was launched June 25th, 2019, and has successfully demonstrated controlled solar sail propulsion using a CubeSat for the first time. This paper presents an assessment of the spacecraft’s attitude determination and control performance along with the resulting changes in its orbit due to controlled solar propulsion. The results of on-orbit testing, important anomalies, and ongoing activities are also discussed. We conclude by offering lessons learned.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationAIAA Scitech 2020 Forum
PublisherAmerican Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Inc, AIAA
Pages1-18
Number of pages18
ISBN (Print)9781624105951
DOIs
StatePublished - 2020
EventAIAA Scitech Forum, 2020 - Orlando, United States
Duration: Jan 6 2020Jan 10 2020

Publication series

NameAIAA Scitech 2020 Forum
Volume1 PartF

Conference

ConferenceAIAA Scitech Forum, 2020
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityOrlando
Period1/6/201/10/20

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Aerospace Engineering

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