Orbit and Attitude Performance of the LightSail 2 Solar Sail Spacecraft
Justin R. Mansell, David A. Spencer, Barbara Plante, Alex Diaz, Michael Fernandez, John Bellardo, Bruce Betts, Bill Nye
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.
Topics & Concepts
CubeSatSpacecraftPropulsionAerospace engineeringSolar sailOrbit (dynamics)Attitude controlSatelliteAeronauticsAstrobiologyElectrically powered spacecraft propulsionComputer scienceRemote sensingEnvironmental scienceEngineeringPhysicsGeologySpacecraft Dynamics and ControlSpacecraft Design and TechnologySpace Satellite Systems and Control