How to Spot NASA’s Solar Sail Demonstration Streaking Through the Night Sky

Earlier this year, NASA launched the Advanced Composite Solar Sail System into low Earth orbit. The solar sail, measuring 860-square-feet, is ultra-thin and has been successfully deployed in space. The ACS3 can be seen in the night sky and has a reflective surface that can shine as bright as Sirius, the brightest star. Despite some observations of the spacecraft tumbling, NASA assures that this is part of the planned deployment sequence. Solar sails are a cost-effective technology that could revolutionize space travel by utilizing the push of sunlight for propulsion. NASA will continue to analyze data from the satellite to improve this innovative technology for future missions.

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/how-to-spot-nasas-solar-sail-demonstration-streaking-through-the-night-sky-180985052/

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