Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #30777: Testing Solar Sail Materials in the Harshness of Space

Imagine sailing through space without engines—just using the power of sunlight. That’s the idea behind solar sails, and to make this dream a reality, researchers must ensure that their materials can withstand space conditions. This is where the Space Environment Exposure Tests of Functional Thin-Film Devices come in.

Led by Dr. Yoji Shirasawa from JAXA, this experiment focused on evaluating thin-film materials that could be used in solar sails. These ultra-lightweight films must be durable, reflective, and functional even after prolonged exposure to space.

Conducted during ISS Expeditions 41/42 and 45/46, these tests placed the materials outside the station to expose them to solar radiation, cosmic rays, and microgravity. Scientists observed how the films reacted—did they lose their reflectivity, become brittle, or change structure?

Solar sails work by capturing the momentum of photons from the Sun. To be effective, their materials must remain stable and perform consistently in space. This experiment helped determine which film compositions could stand the test of time and energy in the vacuum of orbit.

By understanding the long-term effects on these thin films, engineers can design better solar sails for future missions—possibly enabling continuous propulsion for deep-space probes and interstellar travel.

JAXA’s initiative adds a valuable chapter to our evolving journey in space technology.

Join the Agnirva Space Internship Program

Get certified with over 100 hours of immersive, self-paced learning in astronomy, cosmology, space technology, and climate science through the Agnirva Space Internship Program. Join, complete virtual projects, and earn a digital certificate to showcase your space fluency in interviews, resumes, and beyond.