Advanced Composite Solar Cell System (ACS3)

27.04.2024

Advanced Composite Solar Cell System (ACS3)

Why in the news?                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

           Recently NASA successfully launched its Advanced Composite Solar Cell System spacecraft from New Zealand.

Important points:

• The launch of NASA's solar-powered spacecraft has ushered in a new era in space exploration, taking advantage of innovative solar sail technology to send missions into the universe more efficiently and affordably.
• At the core of the new spacecraft is an oven-sized CubeSat, which acts as its propulsion engine. Guided by solar particles, it will propel the spacecraft, and demonstrate its innovative technology.

About Advanced Composite Solar Cell System (ACS3):

• This is a NASA technology demonstration mission.
• It is designed to characterize solar array technologies for future small spacecraft involved in deep space missions requiring long-duration, low-thrust propulsion.
• ACS3 range from spacecraft the size of a toaster oven to about the size of a small apartment.
• In this mission, the new spacecraft equipped with NASA's Advanced Composite Solar Cell System is using sunlight for propulsion
• At its core, ACS3 is a CubeSat, a small satellite built to standardized dimensions.
• It has four, 7 meter long deployable composite booms.
• Space missions have demonstrated that small spacecraft can use solar sails to alter their orbits, expanding their potential use.
• Future solar sail missions will require larger sails and lighter materials to maximize their performance.
• The ACS3 uses a lightweight carbon fiber sail boom instead of a traditional metal boom.
• This will be the first test of this technology in space.

Importance :

• The success of this mission will be extremely important as it aims to reduce the dependence on heavy propulsion systems.
• Solar sail technology promises to enable extended-duration missions at low cost, marking a breakthrough in space exploration strategies.

                                                            Source: India today