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# Advanced Composite Solar Sail System (ACS3)

NASA is developing new deployable structures and materials technologies for solar sail propulsion systems destined for future low-cost deep space missions. Just as a sailboat is powered by wind in a sail, solar sails employ the pressure of sunlight for propulsion, eliminating the need for conventional rocket propellant.

Active Mission

				NASA to Hoist Its Sail: Solar Sail Mission Gets Ready for Launch                			

				NASA Next-Generation Solar Sail Boom Technology Ready for Launch                			

				Deployable Composite Boom Technology Advances In Space Construction                			

NASA’s Advanced Composite Solar Sail System, or ACS3, technology demonstration uses composite materials – or a combination of materials with different properties – in its novel, lightweight booms that deploy from a CubeSat.

Mission Type

led by

Launch

STATUS

### About

## What is the Advanced Composite Solar Sail System?

NASA is developing new deployable structures and materials technologies for solar sail propulsion systems destined for future low-cost deep space missions. Just as a sailboat is powered by wind in a sail, solar sails employ the pressure of sunlight for propulsion, eliminating the need for conventional rocket propellant.
                        Learn About Solar Sails about What is the Advanced Composite Solar Sail System?

## 				Learn More			

## Small Satellite Missions Blog

Visit the blog for the latest updates on the Advanced Composite Solar Sail System Mission!

## What are SmallSats and CubeSats?

Learn about SmallSats and CubeSats and why they're important to NASA.

## TechPort Summary

TechPort showcases NASA’s portfolio of active and completed technology projects.

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-  									Page Last Updated:								  								May 01, 2024								 
-  									Page Editor:								  									Sonja Caldwell								 
-  								Responsible NASA Official:							  								Abigail Bowman