LightSail launch aims for April 2016

(PASADENA, Calif.) (WLS) -- LightSail launch is on the calendar for April 2016.

The Planetary Society announced Wednesday that LightSail-1 will launch aboard the SpaceX Falcon Heavy.

The solar sailing spacecraft will be on a pioneering mission, powered by the sun.

"Solar sailing and related techniques have been called the only practical way to reach other stars," according to the release on the society's website, planetary.org.