[ExI] nasa's solar sail has deployed

[spike at rainier66.com]

-----Original Message-----
From: extropy-chat <extropy-chat-bounces at lists.extropy.org> On Behalf Of Keith Henson via extropy-chat
Subject: Re: [ExI] nasa's solar sail has deployed

I am a bit surprised,  Have not looked up the details but I seem to remember that solar sails need to be in an orbit high enough to be out of the air drag.

Keith


Ja, it hasta be waaaay up there in order for the light pressure to overcome the drag from the wispy trace of atmosphere.  Many years ago, I calculated how far up it would need to be, and was surprised at how high it is.  This one is an experiment to test feasibility and control systems.  It will re-enter.

spike