Japan unveils solar powered spacecraft

Posted by Sarah Harlan

(NBC) - The Japanese Space Agency has unveiled a prototype of what it says is the world's first solar powered sail spacecraft.

At a news conference on Friday, Japanese space officials showed off the space yacht.

The craft has a diameter of roughly five feet and navigates by means of an ultra-thin membrane that harnesses solar energy.

While the sunlight in space is very weak, the space agency believes it will provide enough energy to propel the space yacht.

It will be launched together with the country's first Venus orbiter on May 18.

Source: 14wfie.
Link: http://www.14wfie.com/global/story.asp?s=12136154.