Japan's JAXA space agency successfully deployed the Ikaros solar sail today. Images relayed from a camera mounted on the spacecraft body showed the boom extensions and the sail unfurling.
A second step, which was also completed successfully, involved stretching the sail and flattening out its surface. The spacecraft is now in preparation to capture the solar wind and begin its journey through the solar system using its zero emissions propulsion system.
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Details of the spacecraft and mission can be found here.
Via JAXA Space Exploration Center
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