Ancient sailing ships, powered solely by wind, inspired scientists and engineers to solve one of the hardest challenges of space missions: limited fuel. Just like wind transfers its energy to the sails of a ship, pushing it across the ocean, photons emitted by the Sun transfer their energy to a reflecting sail that navigates space. Back in 2010, the IKAROS mission set its solar sail to Venus, opening a new exciting era in space flight.

This invention lets us dream of exploring even the deepest regions of our Universe.

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