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Cosmos 1 Named One of Most Innovative Ideas of 2005

For Immediate Release
December 12, 2005

Contact
Mat Kaplan
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +1-626-793-5100

The New York Times Sunday Magazine named the solar sail spacecraft Cosmos 1 as one of the most innovative ideas of 2005 in the December 11 issue of the magazine:

Cosmos 1, a project of The Planetary Society and Cosmos Studios, was launched from a submerged Russian nuclear submarine in the Barents Sea on June 21, 2005. Unfortunately, the rocket failed, and the spacecraft did not reach orbit. Cosmos 1 was designed to sail on light, using photons for propulsion in Earth orbit.

The history of exploration has always been one of both adventure and risk. The Planetary Society accepts that challenge and plans to try again to fly the world's first solar sail spacecraft.

About The Planetary Society

The Planetary Society is the world's largest and most influential space interest organization. Founded in 1980 by astronomer Carl Sagan with Bruce Murray and Louis Friedman of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit is led today by CEO Jenn Vaughn and championed by Chief Ambassador Bill Nye. Members and donors fund programs in science and technology, public outreach, and advocacy. This work advances the exploration of space, the search for life beyond Earth, and the defense of our planet from dangerous asteroids and comets. Learn more at planetary.org.

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