Julia+blog+1

For our journey, the propulsion system used on our ship are Solar sails.This technology is relatively new; the idea being thought of in the 1970s and actually tested in 2011. The science behind them is fascinating in my opinion. Solar sails are massive sheets of thin, metal-coated, durable plastics made from Kapton or Mylar. The solar sail materials that we are using are made of aluminum-coated Mylar, which has a thickness of .0002 inches. To put it in perspective ordinary Saran Wrap is approximately .001 inches. The aluminum-coated Mylar will absorb photons from light. Are main source of light is the sun.The energy used to propel our ship forward is from the pressure of light/sunlight.This is because as light reflects off the sails it produces a force which translate into a push. The great thing about solar sails is that they are sustainable since there is a constant pressure from the sun pushing the solar sails forward. There are 8 individual solar blades which can be turned to direct solar sail pressure. Because you can direct the force in any direction you want there is a possibility to add or subtract velocity. One reason why we are using Solar sails is because no fuel or engines are needed. This drastically lowers the weight of our ship allowing it to travel for long periods of time. It is also an eco-friendly energy source which is beneficial in these times.

P.S. Our crew is very excited to be using solar sails. We're sailing space!!!