Experimental Solar Sail Spacecraft to Launch Next Year

The Cosmos One spacecraft, set to launch next year, will test solar sail technology, using sunlight pressure for propulsion. This unmanned craft, with Mylar film sails, aims to maintain orbit indefinitely. Launched from a Russian submarine, the mission is sponsored by Cosmos Studios. Operations will be coordinated from California and Moscow, with ground stations monitoring the craft. The project hopes to revolutionize space propulsion, benefiting interplanetary missions and satellite maintenance.

What is the primary purpose of the Cosmos One spacecraft?

How does the solar sail spacecraft utilize sunlight for propulsion?

What materials are used to construct the blades of the solar sail?

Who is the director of the Planetary Society involved in the Cosmos One mission?

What are the potential applications of the technology used in the Cosmos One spacecraft?