Solar Cruiser: Difference between revisions
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'''''Solar Cruiser''''' is a |
'''''Solar Cruiser''''' is a planned [[NASA]] spacecraft that would study the [[Sun]] while propelled by a [[solar sail]].{{cite press release|url=https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-selects-heliophysics-missions-of-opportunity-for-space-science-research-and|title=NASA Selects Heliophysics Missions of Opportunity for Space Science Research and Technology Demonstration |publisher=NASA| date=3 December 2020 |access-date=12 December 2020}}<ref name='PR Helio'>{{cite press release|url=https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-selects-proposals-to-demonstrate-smallsat-technologies-to-study-interplanetary|title=NASA Selects Proposals to Demonstrate SmallSat Technologies to Study Interplanetary Space|publisher=NASA|date=15 August 2019 |access-date=20 August 2019}} {{PD-notice}}</ref> The mission would support NASA's [[Solar Terrestrial Probes program|Heliophysics Solar Terrestrial Probes program]] by studying how interplanetary space changes in response to the constant outpouring of energy and particles from the Sun and how it interacts with planetary atmospheres.<ref name='PR Helio'/> |
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The [[principal investigator]] is Les Johnson at NASA's [[Marshall Space Flight Center]] in [[Huntsville]], [[Alabama]].<ref name='PR Helio'/> |
The [[principal investigator]] is Les Johnson at NASA's [[Marshall Space Flight Center]] in [[Huntsville]], [[Alabama]].<ref name='PR Helio'/> |
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== Overview == |
== Overview == |
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The mission was selected for launch, riding with NASA's [[Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe]] (IMAP) and Global Lyman-alpha Imagers of the Dynamic Exosphere (GLIDE). The ''Solar Cruiser'' spacecraft will demonstrate solar sailing around the Sun at an unusual polar orbit, while its [[coronagraph]] instrument would enable simultaneous measurements of the [[Sun#Magnetic field|Sun's magnetic field]] structure and velocity of [[coronal mass ejection]]s.<ref name='PR Helio'/> The craft's nearly {{cvt|1672|sqm}} [[solar sail]] will demonstrate the ability to use solar radiation as propulsion and facilitate views of the Sun not easily accessible with current technology, such as a close-up view of its poles.<ref name='PR Helio'/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.facebook.com/NASASunScience/posts/2284995544880989|title=In 2024, our Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe will launch with two other science missions and a technology demonstration... |publisher=NASA|date=15 August 2019|access-date=20 August 2019}} {{PD-notice}}</ref> |
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''Solar Cruiser'' was awarded US$400,000 for nine-month mission concept studies |
''Solar Cruiser'' was awarded US$65 million for mission execution. Previously, US$400,000 for nine-month mission concept studies was presented to the [[Heliophysics Solar Terrestrial Probes program]], which is managed by NASA's [[Goddard Space Flight Center]] in [[Greenbelt, Maryland]].<ref name='PR Helio'/>. |
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== References == |
== References == |
Revision as of 05:05, 13 December 2020
Mission type | Technology, heliophysics |
---|---|
Operator | NASA |
Spacecraft properties | |
Spacecraft type | Solar sail |
Dimensions | Sail: 1,672 m2 (18,000 sq ft) |
Start of mission | |
Launch date | 2025 (proposed) |
Launch site | Cape Canaveral Space Force Station |
Contractor | SpaceX |
Sun orbiter | |
Orbital parameters | |
Inclination | Polar |
Solar Cruiser is a planned NASA spacecraft that would study the Sun while propelled by a solar sail."NASA Selects Heliophysics Missions of Opportunity for Space Science Research and Technology Demonstration" (Press release). NASA. 3 December 2020. Retrieved 12 December 2020.[1] The mission would support NASA's Heliophysics Solar Terrestrial Probes program by studying how interplanetary space changes in response to the constant outpouring of energy and particles from the Sun and how it interacts with planetary atmospheres.[1]
The principal investigator is Les Johnson at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama.[1]
Overview
The mission was selected for launch, riding with NASA's Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP) and Global Lyman-alpha Imagers of the Dynamic Exosphere (GLIDE). The Solar Cruiser spacecraft will demonstrate solar sailing around the Sun at an unusual polar orbit, while its coronagraph instrument would enable simultaneous measurements of the Sun's magnetic field structure and velocity of coronal mass ejections.[1] The craft's nearly 1,672 m2 (18,000 sq ft) solar sail will demonstrate the ability to use solar radiation as propulsion and facilitate views of the Sun not easily accessible with current technology, such as a close-up view of its poles.[1][2]
Solar Cruiser was awarded US$65 million for mission execution. Previously, US$400,000 for nine-month mission concept studies was presented to the Heliophysics Solar Terrestrial Probes program, which is managed by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.[1].
References
- ^ a b c d e f "NASA Selects Proposals to Demonstrate SmallSat Technologies to Study Interplanetary Space" (Press release). NASA. 15 August 2019. Retrieved 20 August 2019. This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
- ^ "In 2024, our Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe will launch with two other science missions and a technology demonstration..." NASA. 15 August 2019. Retrieved 20 August 2019. This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.