TEMPLE, Texas — It's a bird, it's a plane!
Those watching the sky may be able to catch a glimpse of a very unique sight this fall, a new experiment from NASA.
NASA's Advanced Composite Solar Sail System, or ACS3, has been fully deployed in orbit, according to the administration, and it's reflective sail can reportedly be seen from many places around the world.
Those hoping to spot the solar sail can even join NASA's #SpotTheSail campaign to find out when it will be visible in their area. Users can check the free NASA mobile app for a location-specific schedule of when the experiment will be able to be seen near them. An augmented reality tool will reportedly point users towards the spacecraft in real time.
According to NASA, the Advanced Composite Solar Sail System is testing new technologies on low orbit, including a boom system that supports a four-piece sail. Those sails allow small spacecraft to use the pressure of sunlight to move through space, which could allow lower cost and longer distance trips into space by eliminating the need for fuel, said NASA.
Have you spotted the sail? NASA is also encouraging sky watchers to share their viewing experience with the hashtag #SpotTheSail for a chance to be featured on NASA's website and social media channels!
More on the campaign and how to use the app can be found at this link.
More on the solar sail mission can be found at this link.
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