Japan will launch a space boat

Japan Space Exploration Agency (JAXA) yesterday announced that its unused fuel yacht will take off next month.

Ikaros yachts are short cylindrical and self-generated by sunlight.Simulation: JAXA .

The space cruise - called Ikaros - will be launched from Tanegashima Space Center in southern Japan on May 18.

"Ikaros is a spacecraft that takes thrust from the stress that the sunlight produces when it comes in contact with its sails , " AFP quoted Yuichi Tsuda, a JAXA scientist.

Ikaros' 14 m long sails are thinner than human hair and are very flexible. They are equipped with membrane solar cells to generate electricity. According to Tsuda, when sunlight particles come into contact with sails, they generate electricity and stress.

"Sailing solar energy is a technology that helps devices move in the universe without having to use fuel when there is sunlight. That technology allows us to move further and more efficiently in the solar system. Heaven, " Tsuda said.

Japanese scientists spent up to $ 16 million to build Ikaros. It will be the first sailing ship to be launched into space. JAXA will control Ikaros's orbit by changing the reflection angle of sunlight on silver sails.