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NASA's Advanced Composite Solar Sail System Successfully Enters Orbit

The spacecraft has established communication and is preparing to test its innovative solar sail technology for space propulsion.

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This artist’s concept shows the Advanced Composite Solar Sail System spacecraft sailing in space using the energy of the Sun. Credit: NASA/Aero Animation/Ben Schweighart
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Overview

  • NASA's Advanced Composite Solar Sail System (ACS3) has successfully entered orbit and established communication with Earth.
  • The spacecraft, launched on April 23, 2024, is set to deploy its solar sail after a commissioning phase of one to two months.
  • The solar sail, which will span 80 square meters, aims to demonstrate propulsion using sunlight, potentially revolutionizing space travel.
  • Future enhancements could see solar sails large enough to support missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
  • Onboard cameras will document the deployment and operation of the sail, crucial for assessing the technology's effectiveness.