 A 1:64 scale model of the 14 m × 14 m (46 ft × 46 ft) sized IKAROS spacecraft | |
| Mission type | Solar sail technology |
|---|---|
| Operator | JAXA[1][2][3][4] |
| COSPAR ID | 2010-020E |
| SATCAT no. | 36577 |
| Website | global |
| Mission duration | 5 years launch to last contact in 2015 |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Launch mass | 310 kg[5] |
| Dimensions | Solar sail: 14 m × 14 m (46 ft × 46 ft) (area: 196 m2 (2,110 sq ft))[6] |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | 21:58:22, 20 May 2010 (UTC) |
| Rocket | H-IIA 202 |
| Launch site | Tanegashima, LA-Y |
| End of mission | |
| Last contact | 20 May 2015[7] |
| Orbital parameters | |
| Reference system | Heliocentric orbit |
| Flyby of Venus | |
| Closest approach | 8 December 2010 |
| Distance | 80,800 kilometers (50,200 mi) |
IKAROS (Interplanetary Kite-craft Accelerated by Radiation Of the Sun) is a Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) experimental spacecraft. The spacecraft was launched on 20 May 2010, aboard an H-IIA rocket, together with the Akatsuki (Venus Climate Orbiter) probe and four other small spacecraft. IKAROS is the first spacecraft to successfully demonstrate solar sail technology in interplanetary space.[3][8] The craft's name is an allusion to the legendary Icarus (Ancient Greek: Ἴκαρος, Ikaros), who flew close to the Sun on wings made of bird-feathers and wax.[9]
On 8 December 2010, IKAROS flew by Venus at a distance of 80,800 km (50,200 mi), successfully completing its planned mission, and entered its extended operation phase.[10][11][12][13]
- ^ Mori et al. (2009)
- ^ "Small Solar Power Sail Demonstrator "IKAROS"". JAXA. Archived from the original on 30 October 2013. Retrieved 1 October 2010.
- ^ a b Stephen Clark (20 May 2010). "H-2A Launch Report – Mission Status Center". Spaceflight Now. Retrieved 21 May 2010.
- ^ Samantha Harvey (20 May 2010). "Solar System Exploration: Missions: By Target: Venus: Future: Akatsuki". NASA. Archived from the original on 10 April 2010. Retrieved 21 May 2010.
- ^ "IKAROS". Institute of Space and Astronautical Science. Retrieved 30 November 2022.
- ^ "IKAROS: Solar Power Sail Demonstrator". ISAS. JAXA. Retrieved 24 May 2015.
- ^ "IKAROS enters hibernation mode for 5th time". Small Solar Power Sail Demonstrator "IKAROS" Topics. JAXA. Retrieved 2 March 2019.
- ^ "Launch Day of the H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 17(H-IIA F17)". JAXA. 3 March 2010. Archived from the original on 26 April 2014. Retrieved 5 November 2021.
- ^ https://web-japan.org/kidsweb/hitech/icarus/index.html [bare URL]
- ^ "今日の IKAROS(12/10) – Daily Report – Dec 10, 2010". IKAROS Blog (in Japanese). JAXA. 10 December 2010. Retrieved 22 January 2011.
- ^ "2010年の締めくくり(12/26) – Daily Report – Dec 26, 2010". IKAROS Blog (in Japanese). JAXA. 26 December 2010. Retrieved 22 January 2011.
- ^ 宇宙帆船イカロス、お疲れさま…実験終え「人工惑星」に (in Japanese). Asahi Shimbun. 10 December 2010. Retrieved 22 January 2011.[dead link]
- ^ Mori, Osamu (26 January 2011). "小型ソーラー電力セイル実証機（IKAROS）の定常運用終了報告" (PDF) (in Japanese). JAXA. Retrieved 2 February 2011.