Photo credit: www.nasa.gov

NASA’s Solar Sail Now Visible in Night Sky

The Advanced Composite Solar Sail System has fully deployed its reflective sail in orbit, making it a sight to behold in the night sky from various locations around the globe.

Astronomy enthusiasts and casual stargazers alike are invited to participate in NASA’s #SpotTheSail initiative, which utilizes the NASA app for mobile devices. This free application, available on both iOS and Android, offers a personalized schedule detailing when the spacecraft will be observable from specific locations. Additionally, the app incorporates an augmented reality feature that guides users to the spacecraft’s position in real time.

Stargazers are encouraged to share their sightings on social media using the hashtag #SpotTheSail, offering them a chance to be highlighted on NASA’s website and social media platforms.

For those looking to use the sighting prediction tool, here’s a concise guide:

• Download and launch the NASA app on your mobile device.
• Select the “Featured” tab located in the bottom navigation menu.
• Choose the Advanced Composite Solar Sail System mission from the list of Featured Missions.
• Click on the “Sightings” tab to view a list of imminent sighting opportunities specific to your area.
• If you are utilizing an iOS device, you can select the “Sky View” link for an augmented reality feature that assists in locating the spacecraft during its visible pass.

The Advanced Composite Solar Sail System is a pioneering project designed to experiment with new technologies in low Earth orbit. It features a composite boom system that holds a four-piece sail structure. Unlike solar panels that generate electricity, solar sails utilize sunlight for propulsion, which allows small spacecraft to “sail” through space without relying on traditional fuels or propellants. This innovative technology has the potential to pave the way for more economical deep space exploration missions, thereby enhancing accessibility to outer space.

For continual updates regarding the mission, connect with us on social media:

X: @NASAAmes, @NASA
Facebook: NASA Ames, NASA
Instagram: @NASAAmes, @NASA

The Advanced Composite Solar Sail System project is managed by NASA’s Ames Research Center, located in California’s Silicon Valley, which also developed the onboard camera diagnostic system. The deployable composite booms and solar sail were designed and constructed by NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia. The mission is funded and overseen by NASA’s Small Spacecraft Technology program office at NASA Ames, which is part of the Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) in Washington. The Game Changing Development program of NASA STMD facilitated the development of the deployable composite boom technology. Launch services were provided by Rocket Lab USA, Inc., and the spacecraft bus was supplied by NanoAvionics.

Source
www.nasa.gov