Tomorrow (2005-06-21), Cosmos 1 will be launched from a submarine in the Barents Sea. A few days after entering earth orbit at 825 km, Cosmos 1 will deploy its eight triangular solar sail blades that will eventually be turned toward the sun to start collecting energy.

This mission is expiremental, measuring the effects of sun light on such a craft. It won't go far, just acheiving a higher orbit. But the measurements gathered will help researchers create solar sail powered vehicles that could eventually take us to other star systems.

After the the sails are deployed, the satellite should be clearly visible in the night sky. See Heavens Above for passings in your area.