Sailing by the stars

Article Abstract:

Solar sail research is being carried out to develop spacecraft that would not need fuel but could be powered by sunlight. Researchers see potential for solar sails to be used for a spacecraft to observe the sun, and for an interstellar space probe. The idea of a solar sail was suggested in the 19th century, but there are technical problems involved and solar sail research was abandoned in the 1970s by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). NASA has again become involved in solar sail research following new developments in composite materials.

Solar powered aircraft

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Millennium no-bugs

Article Abstract:

The US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), plans to test new ideas through its New Millennium Progam, which starts with Deep Space 1. The main goal of the mission is to test equipment that may be used for spacecraft in the future. There will be further Deep Space missions up to Deep Space 4. These missions will test technology geared to sampling planetary surfaces and comets. Deep Space 1 will include an automatic navigation system and an electricity generator using solar power.

Testing

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Reaching for the Martian sky

Article Abstract:

There are proposals to use balloons to observe the surface of the planet Mars, using helium and strong materials like kevlar and mylar. Super-pressure ballons have been employed on Venus, and a prototype for Mars observations is to be developed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). There are also proposals for an unmanned aircraft to observe Mars, and NASA is seeking funds to develop such an aircraft in its budget for 2000.

Mars (Planet), Discovery and exploration

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