In message , Michael Martin-Smith
writes
The Planetary Society's Cosmos 1, if tonght'slaunch goes well, of course,
aims to do more than demonstrate thrust by solar
radiation; it also aims to demonstrate steerability by a process analogous
to old-time sail tacking. Further, if the mission endures , it is planned to
use a radiotelescope to beam power from here on Earth to add propulsive
force as well.


Meanhile if the Cosmos 1 launch is successful tonight readers might like to
look ou for James Oberg's article on the NBC News website in the next few
days...


I just posted a link to a BBC report saying it had been launched
successfully, but the latest news is that it may not have separated from
the booster rocket :-( http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/4110912.stm
Let's hope something works anyway.