Embedded Files
Ground-based optical observations of the orbital debris environment
ACS3 (Advanced Composite Solar Sail System) is a technology demonstration designed to characterize solar sail structures technologies for future small spacecraft to engage in deep space missions requiring long-duration, low-thrust propulsion. Source: NASA NSSDCA Master Catalog
The solar sail is designed to fit inside a 12-unit (12U) CubeSat, which measures approximately 9×9×13inches (23×23×34 centimeters), or about the size of a small microwave oven. The unfurled solar sail is approximately 30 feet (about 9 meters) on a side.
The primary objective of the ACS3 technology demonstration is the successful deployment of the composite boom solar sail in low-Earth orbit. NASA’s Advanced Composite Solar Sail System fully deployed its solar sail in space on August 29 after a successful test of its sail-hoisting boom system.
NOTE: right click and open image in a new tab for a higher resolution
Full spectrum images of the ACS3 (COSPAR ID: 2024-077B, SATCAT: 59588) satellite overpass on September 26, 2024. 8:41 PM CEST. Full spectrum Nikon D7000. Elevation: ~80°. Overpass direction from south to the north with a brightness change in interval of maximum brightness-flare and minimum brightness-faint indicating the tumbling of satellite. Camera pointed to the north.
Google Sites
Report abuse