Explore Worlds
Find Life
Defend Earth
All
All
Sun
Mercury
Venus
Earth
Mars
Jupiter
Saturn
Uranus
Neptune
Small BodiesStories, updates, insights, and original analysis from The Planetary Society.
What's the Difference between LightSail 1 and LightSail 2?
While LightSail 1 and 2 look nearly identical at a glance, there are a few important hardware differences between the two spacecraft.
LightSail 2 Arrives in Florida
Next Stop: Space!
LightSail Launch Event
LightSail 2’s launch window opens on June 22, and we are finalizing plans for our launch viewing celebrations. Once we have finished coordinating the details with the Air Force’s STP-2 mission team and the Kennedy Space Center, we will share them with all of our members and backers so that you can join us in person or remotely via the internet.
LightSail 2 set to launch next month aboard SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket
The Planetary Society's solar sail spacecraft will lift off 22 June 2019 on a mission to demonstrate the power of sunlight for propulsion.
LightSail 2 Integrated with Prox-1 Carrier Spacecraft
The Planetary Society's solar sailing CubeSat is officially on the road to launch.
SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy Flies Again; LightSail 2 Is Next!
SpaceX also went three-for-three on booster landings, marking another milestone for its Falcon Heavy rocket.
A Busy Summer
Bruce Betts reports on LightSail 2’s status and looks to the future of solar sailing.
LightSail 2 launch pushed to early 2019
An Air Force official says an ‘initial launch capability’ is being reassessed.
How LightSail and a NASA study helped pave the way for Mars-bound CubeSats
Two NASA CubeSats are approaching Mars — an impressive accomplishment for a concept many people regarded with derision just 15 years ago.
The day I caught rocket fever
On February 6, 2018, I found myself shoulder to shoulder with two of my heroes: Bill Nye on the left, Buzz Aldrin on the right. Our eyes were fixed on the first vertical Falcon Heavy rocket. Figuring the world's most powerful rocket might send me flying backwards once the countdown hit zero, I gripped the railing so tightly I started to lose the feeling in my fingertips.
LightSail 2 updates: Launch date slips, environmental test complete, new video released
LightSail 2's ride to space won't happen until at least November 30, as SpaceX works through a list of other payloads in line to fly first.
LightSail 2 team completes key mission review and dress rehearsal
The LightSail 2 team gathered in Cal Poly San Luis Obispo for a Mission Readiness Review (MRR) and Operational Readiness Test (ORT).
LightSail 2 launch slips to Fall
The second flight of SpaceX's Falcon Heavy rocket is now scheduled for no earlier than October 30, 2018.
Pew pew! Lasers will help determine where LightSail 2 is
The International Laser Ranging Service, or ILRS, will lend its services to the LightSail 2 mission.
LightSail 2 doubles the fun with double integrations
LightSail 2 is integrated in Prox-1! It's another important step toward launch day.
LightSail 2 launch update
The Planetary Society's solar sailing CubeSat is scheduled to head to space during a 60-day period starting on June 13.
Sharing Space in Australia
The Planetary Society’s 2017 journey to Australia expanded our perspective, advocacy and global community. It was rich with reminders close to Carl Sagan’s heart: We are all connected through time, humankind, and our origins in the stars.
Here's how engineers closed out LightSail 2 for flight
The Planetary Society's LightSail 2 spacecraft is in a flight-ready state, marking a major milestone for the program.
NASA, international partners consider solar sail for Deep Space Gateway
A Canadian Space Agency proposal would install a solar sail on the outside of the Deep Space Gateway, a miniature space station in lunar orbit.
Planetary Society hosts space policy reception at Australian Embassy
This year’s International Astronautical Congress (IAC) is being held in Adelaide, Australia. Thanks to the generous support of our members, The Society’s advocacy and outreach capability is rapidly expanding, and we decided to step up our IAC advocacy this year.