NASA successfully deploys advanced solar sail in space, begins maneuvering tests

NASA has successfully deployed its Advanced Composite Solar Sail System in space, marking a significant milestone in space exploration.

This system uses energy from photons emitted by the Sun to generate thrust, which could revolutionize cost-effective and long-term space travel.

The mission, launched in April, initially faced technical difficulties when the deployment process was halted due to abnormally high currents detected onboard the spacecraft. However, during a second attempt, NASA engineers successfully unfolded the sail, which is roughly half the size of a tennis court. This large surface area is necessary to generate enough thrust to control the spacecraft's orbit.

In the coming weeks, NASA will test the spacecraft's ability to maneuver using only the pressure of sunlight on the sail. These tests will help assess the system's effectiveness and its potential for future missions to explore various objects in the Solar System.

Observers on Earth might even spot the sail with the naked eye during optimal viewing times.