Since a solar sail can never be launched directly from the ground, a second spacecraft is required to be deployed in space to launch it. This is because solar sails rely solely on sunlight for power. Another possible option is to use microwave or laser beams as provided by a satellite or another spacecraft. The energy beams can be directed at the sail for launching while providing a secondary power source during its journey. Once the sails are launched, an inflatable boom system deploys it which is triggered by a built-in deployment mechanism.
When the spacecraft finds itself far from sunlight, an onboard laser takes over to provide the necessary propulsion to the sails. Although initially based on the disproved premise of solar wind, scientists have discovered that sunlight can exert enough force to move objects.