NASA’s next-generation solar sail technology, known as the Advanced Composite Solar Sail System (ACS3), was lifted recently.
Upon reaching its Sun-synchronous orbit approximately 600 miles above Earth, the ACS3 spacecraft will commence the intricate process of unfurling its composite booms.
Within approximately 25 minutes, the solar sail will be fully deployed, measuring about 860 square feet.
These sheets, together, form a kite-like solar sail.
It harnesses the momentum of photons emitted by the sun, using large, reflective surfaces to propel spacecraft without traditional fuel.