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Sail with NASA's Solar Sail Tech in Real-Time Simulation
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Sail with NASA's Solar Sail Tech in Real-Time Simulation
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Oct 13, 2024

NASA is offering the public an opportunity to virtually experience the journey of the Advanced Composite Solar Sail System (ACS3) through the "Eyes on the Solar System" tool. This interactive simulation provides real-time updates on the positions of planets, moons, and spacecraft, including the ACS3.

Solar sails utilize sunlight pressure for propulsion, adjusting their angle relative to the Sun so that photons bouncing off their reflective surfaces push the spacecraft forward. By eliminating the need for heavy propulsion systems, solar sails open the door to longer and more cost-effective space missions. The ACS3 mission is expected to provide critical data on the capabilities of solar sail technology, particularly the performance of its composite boom system, which could be a key component in future space exploration efforts.

Launched in April 2024 and having deployed its reflective sail in August, the ACS3 is currently orbiting around 600 miles (1,000 kilometers) above Earth. It is visible in the night sky to those in the Northern Hemisphere, although sightings may be sporadic, and its brightness may vary depending on its position. Space enthusiasts can track the sail's movements using a feature in the NASA mobile app.

For further updates on the mission, visit NASA's Small Satellite Missions blog here

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Since deploying its sail last week, NASA's Advanced Composite Solar Sail System spacecraft has been transmitting data and images, helping the mission team assess the performance of the boom technology demonstration. The main objective of the mission is to carry out the deployment operation and gather insights that will inform the future use of large-scale solar sails in space exploration. The team is currently analyzing the incoming data and preparing for the next phase of the demonstration, which will ... read more

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