NASA is about to deploy its large solar sail in space: it will be visible to the naked eye

A new era for space propulsion is on the horizon with NASA's ACS3 project. The demonstrator, currently orbiting at about 625 miles (1000 km) altitude, is about to deploy its 860 square feet (80 m²) solar sail and use sunlight for propulsion. This concept could revolutionize space travel, providing an alternative to traditional propulsion methods.


The project, launched from New Zealand in the spring, highlights innovative materials to improve the efficiency of this solar sail. NASA's Advanced Composite Solar Sail System (ACS3) is set to deploy its sail using its composite, rigid, and lightweight arms. These arms allow for good maneuverability, making it possible to modify the satellite's orbit by adjusting the sail's angle.

After its launch in April aboard Rocket Lab's Electron rocket, the satellite successfully passed a series of tests, including two-way communications and the deployment of solar panels to recharge its batteries. The solar sail, meanwhile, will be deployed in the coming weeks and will be visible to the naked eye from Earth.

The development of this project mobilized several NASA centers. Ames Research Center designed the onboard camera diagnostic system, while Langley Research Center developed the composite arms and solar sail. NASA's Small Spacecraft Technology program, based at Ames, funds and manages the mission, with contributions from the Game Changing Development program for deployable arm technology.


This mission could not only prove the viability of solar sails but also pave the way for new propulsion methods for future space missions, reducing costs and increasing the autonomy of satellites and probes.