Science

NASA's Solar Sail Mission Takes Off After Initial Glitch

Aug 30, 2024 1 min read

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NASA has successfully deployed its Advanced Composite Solar Sail System (ACS3), achieving a significant milestone in solar sail technology. The deployment, confirmed through telemetry data, marks the first time the system's sail-hoisting boom has been fully extended. The solar sail, which spans 80 square meters, was launched from a CubeSat on Rocket Lab's Electron rocket in April 2024 and is now orbiting Earth at about twice the altitude of the International Space Station. The mission aims to evaluate the sail's maneuvering capabilities over the coming weeks.

The ACS3 system is designed to harness sunlight for propulsion, utilizing photons to generate thrust, a method that offers a low-cost, virtually fuel-free means of space travel. Initial deployment faced challenges, including a halted attempt due to higher-than-expected motor currents. However, a subsequent attempt was successful. The mission also serves to test new composite materials, which could support larger solar sails in the future, potentially reaching areas up to 2,000 square meters. This advancement could enable high-speed missions to distant locations within the solar system, expanding the possibilities for space exploration.

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