Nano Solar Sail-D, in Orbit - Science a GoGo's Discussion Forums

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Miraculously Solar-Sail-D suddenly ejected itself from its tube where it has been stuck, since it was launched a month ago.
Yet another heart wrenching failure it was thought.
Until yesterday when it amazingly ejected itself out of its tube, burnt open its fishing line expanders and unfurled itself 650 km above Earth. Wow--that should be a never to be forgotten sight to see.
I am sure NASA will give out its visual co-ordinates, so we can easily spot it, bright in the heavens.

http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2011/24jan_solarsail/

Looks like the begining of a bright future for Sun Sailing
The Japanese Solar Sailer should reach Venus this year...with another planned for Jupiter soon.

Originally Posted By: Mike Kremer

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I am sure NASA will give out its visual co-ordinates, so we can easily spot it, bright in the heavens.

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Originally Posted By: Mike Kremer

Yes as I thought NASA has put the NANOSAIL-D into its real time Database ....along with its other Satellites , Military, TV, and of course ZARA the manned international space station.

Go to:- http://www.n2yo.com/?s=90027

and wait a few minutes for the tracking to kick in.
Left top screen is + or - Zoom.
Top right if you click 'Satellite' , rather than 'Map'...you can see what the ocean sea bed looks like.
Using the five day prediction block you will be able to see whether a satellite is overhead and whether it is in Sunlight at the same time, and therefore visually seen.

I hope you find this 'site' of interest, especially if you are a Radio Ham.

Originally Posted By: Mike Kremer

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Until yesterday when it amazingly ejected itself out of its tube, burnt open its fishing line expanders and unfurled itself 650 km above Earth. Wow--that should be a never to be forgotten sight to see.
I am sure NASA will give out its visual co-ordinates, so we can easily spot it, bright in the heavens.

http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2011/24jan_solarsail/

Looks like the begining of a bright future for Sun Sailing
The Japanese Solar Sailer should reach Venus this year...with another planned for Jupiter soon.

Originally Posted By: Mike Kremer

My previous post gives you the URL to enable you to see exactly where NANOSAIL-D is in real time.

Now here is an illustration of the Mylar Sail unfolded

http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap110128.html

....and various explanative text's