Overview
Members of Cornell's Space Systems Design Studio have released results from two experiments in which free‑flying light sails were released from CubeSats. The sails are roughly the size of a pizza box and gain speed from the momentum of incoming photons.
Light‑sail technology
The sail consists of an ultra‑thin, reflective membrane that expands to a large area when deployed. Continuous photon pressure provides thrust without propellant, allowing the sail to reach higher velocities. An origami‑style fold enables the sail to be packed tightly inside a CubeSat for launch.
ChipSat free‑flyers
Each sail carries a ChipSat – a gram‑scale spacecraft that fits in the palm of a hand. These tiny satellites handle communications, navigation and attitude control while weighing only a fraction of traditional systems. After deployment the sail and ChipSat separate completely and continue as independent free‑flyers.
Outlook
The successful demonstrations indicate that low‑cost, scalable light‑sail missions are feasible. Future work could apply the technology to interplanetary probes or to demonstration flights in low Earth orbit.