JAXA-backed PIERIS solar sail advances toward 2027 launch

(SpaceEnergy) Japanese researchers are advancing the engineering model of the 40kg-class PIERIS solar sail, with deployment testing under way ahead of a planned 2027 launch.

The Institute of Science Tokyo-led spacecraft will carry a 25m² reflective membrane and is planned for deployment into low Earth orbit at about 600km altitude.

PIERIS is designed to demonstrate propellant-free integrated attitude and orbit control by shifting the relative position of its spacecraft bus and sail structure using a single motor. The resulting change in the centre of external torque is intended to generate controlled torque while the sail maintains an attitude suitable for orbital manoeuvring.

A second demonstration will test membrane-tension control intended to suppress sail deformation and reduce disturbance torque. The design uses a reproducible metal boom, a pyramid-shaped sail configuration and a constant-spring centre tether.

Researchers said engineering-model design and sail deployment tests are continuing. The project has been selected for the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency Small Satellite Rush Program, with launch scheduled for fiscal 2027.