The Advanced Composite Solar Sail System was launched by NASA on Tuesday, April 23. Photo: LR/NASA Organization
There are still many mysteries in space travel, but as the years go by, humans continue to develop new technologies that allow us to travel and explore the deepest parts of our solar system. For this reason, NASA launched its new ACS3 satellite last Tuesday, April 23.
A new experimental task called Solar sailIt is currently in orbit, trying to test a new propulsion system guaranteed to improve space travel, making it faster and less expensive than it currently is.
What is the purpose of the new NASA satellite?
During the work ACS3 from NASAIt is designed to evaluate new deployable materials and structures using a Solar sail propulsion system. The test involves the use of new composite plumes, which are essential for the sail to propel the device once it reaches Earth orbit.
On the other hand, the Rocket Lab Electronship carrying ACS3The orbit must be high enough so that the minimal power generated by sunlight overcomes atmospheric resistance so that the spacecraft can reach altitudes responsible for placing the satellite at 965 km above Earth.
NASA’s Advanced Composite Solar Sail System Launched Photo: X
“This technology sparks the imagination, reimagining the whole idea of sail and its use for space travel. Demonstrating the capabilities of solar sails and lightweight hybrid propulsion is the next step in using this technology to inspire future missions.” Rudy AquilinaProgram Director of Solar Sailing NASA.
Likewise, the NASA Informed by the project Small spacecraft technology If the deployment of solar sails goes as planned, it could inspire new large-scale voyages. Luna Already Marte With the same setup.
How do NASA solar sails work?
He Advanced composite solar sail system It works like a sailboat boom, with the difference that it captures the power of light. Sol Instead of air. These solar sails work based on photons emitted by the sun, which create small bursts that propel a spacecraft. The Solar System.
Even though the power of sunlight is low, in the vacuum of space where there is no air resistance, this force can build up and be enough to propel a spacecraft.
On the other hand, the ACS3 This may be intended to take advantage of sunlight in different ways, allowing for maneuvers and changes in the ship’s course.
Likewise, sails are ultralight structures that can be used in space and are made of reflective materials. In that way, the NASA He announced that it was a solar sail It will be approximately 80 square meters in diameterAnd integrated cameras can record the entire deployment.
Prototype of solar sail system. Photo: NASA
What Scientific Contribution Will NASA’s Solar Sail Make?
He Solar sail system Space travel offers many advantages, mainly due to its Propulsion without fuel. This will significantly reduce the mass of the spacecraft by eliminating the need to carry large amounts of fuel.
Also, independent of fuel, Solar sails enable continuous, long-duration voyagesIdeal for extended exploration of the Solar System and beyond, including unmanned missions to asteroids and comets.
Another important advantage of solar sails Reducing costs and increasing access to space travel. By reducing dependence on fuel, it opens up opportunities for companies with limited budgets to conduct space missions and increase the operational efficiency of missions.
