NASA reviews progress of ACS3 solar sail system in orbit

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 take place over the coming weeks.

Now in Earth's orbit, the spacecraft is visible from the ground with its reflective sails fully deployed. During the deployment process, the spacecraft entered a planned phase without attitude control, resulting in a slow, expected tumbling motion. After completing the assessment of the booms and sail, the mission team will reactivate the spacecraft's attitude control system to stabilize it and stop the tumbling. Engineers will then analyze its flight dynamics before beginning maneuvers to adjust the spacecraft's orbit.

For those interested in observing the spacecraft, a new feature in the NASA mobile app allows users to track it. Visibility may vary depending on conditions, and the spacecraft could appear with different brightness levels while it tumbles. NASA also encourages the public to share photos of the spacecraft on social media using the hashtag #SpotTheSail.