# InflateSail

> solar sail technology demonstration CubeSat

**Wikidata**: [Q30752104](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q30752104)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/InflateSail)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/inflatesail

## Summary
InflateSail is a CubeSat designed for solar sail technology demonstration. This miniaturized satellite was launched on June 23, 2017, to test and showcase the capabilities of solar sail technology in space.

## Key Facts
- InflateSail is a solar sail technology demonstration CubeSat.
- It was launched on June 23, 2017.
- The launch vehicle used was the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-XL.
- InflateSail is classified as a CubeSat, a miniaturized satellite.
- Its COSPAR ID is 2017-036F.
- The satellite's SCN is 42770.
- An image of InflateSail is available at https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/InflateSail.png.
- It has a Wikipedia title: InflateSail, available in English and French.

## FAQs
### Q: What is InflateSail?
A: InflateSail is a CubeSat specifically designed to demonstrate solar sail technology. It is a miniaturized satellite intended to test and showcase this particular space technology.

### Q: When was InflateSail launched?
A: InflateSail was launched on June 23, 2017. This event marked a significant rocket launch for the technology demonstration.

### Q: What type of satellite is InflateSail?
A: InflateSail is an instance of a CubeSat. CubeSats are a class of miniaturized satellites, typically made up of 10cm-sided cubic modules.

### Q: Which launch vehicle carried InflateSail into space?
A: InflateSail was carried into space by the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-XL. This vehicle is a specific model of the Indian Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle.

## Why It Matters
InflateSail is significant as a solar sail technology demonstration CubeSat, playing a crucial role in advancing space propulsion concepts. Its mission was to test and validate the practical application of solar sails, which represent a promising alternative to traditional chemical propellants for spacecraft. By successfully demonstrating this technology on a miniaturized CubeSat platform, InflateSail showcased the feasibility of integrating complex systems into smaller, more cost-effective satellite designs. This achievement contributes directly to the ongoing research and development of sustainable and efficient methods for space travel and orbital maneuvers. The successful launch of InflateSail by the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-XL further underscores the capabilities of this specific launch system in supporting innovative and experimental space missions, thereby fostering progress in the broader field of space exploration and satellite deployment. This demonstration is a foundational step for future applications of solar sail technology.

## Notable For
- Being a dedicated solar sail technology demonstration mission.
- Its classification as a CubeSat, a miniaturized satellite platform.
- Its launch aboard the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-XL.
- Having its own Wikipedia entry in multiple languages (English and French).

## Body
### Overview
InflateSail is identified as a solar sail technology demonstration CubeSat. Its primary objective was to showcase and test the capabilities of solar sail technology in a space environment.

### Classification and Design
InflateSail is an instance of a CubeSat. CubeSats are a class of miniaturized satellites, characterized by their modular design, typically comprising 10cm-sided cubic modules.

### Launch Details
InflateSail was launched on June 23, 2017. The launch was a significant event, carried out by the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-XL. This vehicle is a specific model within the family of the Indian Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle.

### Identifiers and Digital Presence
The satellite is assigned the SCN (Satellite Catalog Number) 42770. Its COSPAR ID is 2017-036F. InflateSail has a dedicated Wikipedia title and is documented in both English and French languages. An image of the satellite is available through Wikimedia Commons.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report