ACS3 Solar Sail Satellite Deployed
ACS3 Solar Sail Satellite Deployed
First Satellite Deployed for NASA by Exolaunch
The NASA Advanced Composite Solar Sail System (ACS3) satellite that rode to orbit aboard Rocket Lab’s "Beginning of the Swarm" mission has been successfully deployed by Exolaunch. It is the first spacecraft to be deployed by the company for NASA.
“We are excited to see the potential applications of ACS3 unfold, and are proud to support and enable NASA’s innovative endeavors in space exploration using small satellites.”
Jake Cornish, Exolaunch
ACS3, which features a 12U nanosatellite bus built by Kongsberg NanoAvionics, is testing new structures for solar sail systems, which harness sunlight for propulsion. The satellite was successfully deployed into orbit using Exolaunch’s flight-proven EXOpod deployer, emphasizing the company’s expertise in launch mission integration and reliable satellite deployment hardware.
With NASA’s ACS3 now in orbit, the mission’s primary objective is to test the deployment of lightweight booms designed to unfurl a solar sail measuring about 30 feet per side. ACS3 marks the first use of composite booms, as well as sail packing and deployment systems, for a solar sail in space. Additionally, exploring solar sailing as a viable alternative to chemical and electric propulsion systems is crucial to enabling future low-cost, efficient deep space missions. This innovative technology holds great promise for a variety of applications, including space weather monitoring satellites, asteroid reconnaissance missions, and solar observation missions, contributing to significant advancements in space exploration and science.
"Exolaunch is honored to have been a part of NASA’s ACS3 mission," said Jake Cornish, US launch director at Exolaunch. "Congratulations to NASA and Kongsberg NanoAvionics on reaching this crucial milestone, and thank you, Rocket Lab, for a smooth ride to orbit. We are excited to see the potential applications of ACS3 unfold, and are proud to support and enable NASA’s innovative endeavors in space exploration using small satellites.”
The launch marks the 28th mission for Exolaunch.