Student-led missions deploy free-flying light sails from CubeSats in low Earth orbit

Cornell students deployed two light-sail experiments using CubeSats in low Earth orbit. Alpha CubeSat, launched in late 2025, deployed a light sail that was contacted by amateur radio operators through the TinyGS network. The sail was quickly lost due to atmospheric drag. Sailing to the Stars, a companion experiment, tested the deployment of six light sails in microgravity. Both experiments achieved successful deployment and conducted technology demonstrations. The insights from these missions inform future ChipSat-sail launches. The experiments were designed, assembled, and tested by students, with Alpha's concept proposed by a high school student. Over 150 students have contributed to the spacecraft projects, with more than 50% interning or working in the aerospace industry after graduation. The success of these missions paves the way for future space exploration. The ultimate goal is interstellar travel, with laser propulsion and solar system exploration missions as potential future steps.

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