ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

NanoSail-D

Nanosail-D is a very small spacecraft that is only a few centimeters across and is sent into space to explore and perform experiments. It is like a tiny robot that can move around and gather information about the environment it is in.

The name "Nanosail" comes from the fact that the spacecraft has a sail made of a very thin material that is only a few micrometers thick (that's like stacking 10 sheets of paper on top of each other). This sail allows the spacecraft to use the pressure of sunlight to maneuver and change its direction in space.

The "D" in Nanosail-D stands for demonstration, which means that this small spacecraft is sent into space to show how this technology works and what it can do. It is like a sample or a test that can help engineers figure out how to make better and more advanced spacecraft in the future.

Overall, Nanosail-D is a type of spacecraft that is very small and has a solar sail that allows it to move around in space. It is sent into space to help scientists and engineers learn more about space and test out new technologies.