
NASA has succeeded in launching a prototype of solar sails, an innovative technology which might change space crafts' propulsion. The Advanced Composite Solar Sail System deployed itself in outer space on August 29, and now, NASA released the first image of an open sail.
What is Solar Sail technology?
Solar sail technology utilises sunlight for propulsion in spacecraft. Photons, or particles of light, provide pressure on a large flat sheet of material, analogous to a sailboat on Earth. This advanced technology might greatly reduce fuel needs and reach remarkable velocities.
First image of Solar Sail

The released image is that of the solar sail while the spacecraft is tumbling in space. The tumble is expected since attitude control was not performed on the spacecraft post-deployment. This would be done by operators once enough data is acquired by way of attitude control and stabilisation of the spacecraft.
Details of image
This image shows four wide-angle cameras in the centre of the spacecraft. In one of the camera views, the reflective sail quadrants are supported by the composite booms.
The back surface of one of the craft's solar panels is visible at the top of the photo. Reference markers on the booms indicate full extension of the sail.
Read more: Astronomical events of September 2024
This mission has overcome some major challenges in the history of solar sail technology. It will also lead the way to the future propulsion of spacecraft with NASA's Advanced Composite Solar Sail System. The next procedure is to start manoeuvring the spacecraft in orbit.
Spot Solar Sail in Night Sky
Ironically, the unstable flight path of this spacecraft allows it to become visible at night-time. You can try spotting the sail for yourself, adding an exciting element to this groundbreaking mission.