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Small BodiesStories, updates, insights, and original analysis from The Planetary Society.
First Look: Partial Camera Test Images from LightSail
A jumbled JPG never looked so pretty. This afternoon, LightSail sent home pieces of two images taken by one of the spacecraft's onboard cameras.
Contact! LightSail Phones Home after 8-Day Silence
The Planetary Society’s LightSail test spacecraft reported for duty this afternoon, heralding the end of an uneasy silence caused by a suspected software glitch.
LightSail Team Prepares for Sail Deployment
LightSail is almost ready for its moment in the sun. Mission managers are preparing for a manual solar sail deployment this week.
For LightSail Test Mission, Waiting is the Hardest Part
The Planetary Society's LightSail spacecraft is now entering its second week of silence.
Software Glitch Pauses LightSail Test Mission
The Planetary Society’s LightSail test mission has been paused while engineers wait out a suspected software glitch that has silenced the solar sailing spacecraft.
LightSail Update: All Systems Nominal
It's been 24 hours since The Planetary Society’s LightSail spacecraft was deposited into space yesterday afternoon. All systems continue to look healthy.
Liftoff! LightSail Sails into Space aboard Atlas V Rocket
The first of The Planetary Society’s two LightSail spacecraft is now in space following a late morning launch from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.
LightSail Sends First Data Back to Earth
LightSail is sending home telemetry following a Wednesday commute to orbit aboard an Atlas V rocket.
Timeline: LightSail's First Day in Space
It's the day before launch at Cape Canaveral. Here's a timeline of events for LightSail's first day in space.
In Pictures: LightSail’s Rocket Rolls to the Launch Pad
Pictures of The Planetary Society’s LightSail spacecraft rollout to the launch pad at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station’s Launch Complex 41.
LightSail Launch Countdown: Ready for Rollout
It’s launch week in Cape Canaveral, Florida, where The Planetary Society’s LightSail spacecraft is buttoned up for flight aboard an Atlas V rocket. Liftoff is scheduled Wednesday sometime between 10:45 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. EDT.
What Images Will We Get Back from the LightSail Test Mission?
With less than two weeks before launch, here's an in-depth look at whether the LightSail test mission's attitude control system bug will keep us from seeing pretty pictures taken by the spacecraft.
In Pictures: LightSail, Meet X-37B
United Launch Alliance has released photos showing the Air Force's X-37B spaceplane being stacked on its Atlas V at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.
In Pictures: SpaceX Crew Dragon Takes Flight in Pad Abort Test
A SpaceX Crew Dragon rocketed into the sky under its own power this morning, completing a critical milestone necessary to certify the spacecraft for crewed flights in 2017.
Despite Rain Delays, NASA Prepares for Busy Year of SLS Engine Tests
Despite a rainy spring that has caused schedule delays, NASA is preparing for a busy year of Space Launch System engine testing.
ISS-bound Cargo Spacecraft Doomed to Atmospheric Reentry
The six crew members aboard the International Space Station will have to go without a scheduled delivery of food, supplies and fuel.
Russian Resupply Ship Spins Out Of Control after Reaching Orbit
An International Space Station-bound cargo craft is spinning out of control in Earth orbit following an afternoon launch from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
LightSail Readiness Tests Prepare Team for Mission Operations
The LightSail team continues to prepare for the spacecraft's May test flight with a series of readiness simulations that mimic on-orbit operations.
Dragon Launches to Station, but Falcon Doesn't Stick Landing
SpaceX's ISS-bound Dragon spacecraft is in orbit, but the drone ship landing of the company's Falcon 9 rocket was unsuccessful.
LightSail Launch Delayed until at least May 20
The Planetary Society’s LightSail spacecraft will have to wait at least two more weeks before setting sail on its maiden voyage.