# Solar Sail Space Tests NASA is Testing Solar Sails as a Cost Effective Way to Move Satellites By Daniel Johnson | Published 2020-04-30 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-sail References: [techcrunch](https://techcrunch.com/2020/04/29/nasa-will-test-a-new-spacecraft-solar-sail-using-a-nanoavionics-satellite/) & [nasa.gov](https://www.nasa.gov/) [NASA](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-glenn-1) indicated that it will be testing a new [Solar](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/e-clipse-2) Sail system in order to assess its efficacy versus more conventional propellant thrusters, in moving [smaller satellites](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/black-kite). The solar sail design has a chance to act as a way to move space crafts in a more cost-effective way, especially for missions being conducted in deep space. This is because sail designs do not require any fuel, which can significantly increase the costs associated with a mission. NASA’s mission is titled Advanced Composite Solar Sail System or ACS3, and the space agency will rely on NanoAvionics, a company from Illinois, to provide the spacecraft. The mission states that a small satellite will be taken into orbit with a solar sail, which measures in at 800 square feet. Image Credit: NASA ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.0/10 - Popularity: 16% | Activity: 4% | Freshness: 9% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Science](https://www.trendhunter.com/science) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Solar Sail Propulsion:** Solar sail designs can provide a more cost-effective way to move satellites in deep space, eliminating the need for traditional propellant thrusters. - **Fuel-free Missions:** By utilizing solar sails, space missions can eliminate the need for fuel, reducing costs associated with a mission. - **Advanced Composite Solar Sail System (ACS3):** NASA's ACS3 mission aims to test the efficacy of solar sails in moving smaller satellites, potentially revolutionizing space propulsion technology. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Space Exploration:** Solar sail propulsion technology presents opportunities for more cost-effective and efficient space exploration. - **Satellite Manufacturing:** The development and implementation of solar sail systems for satellites could disrupt the satellite manufacturing industry, offering a more sustainable and affordable propulsion method. - **Renewable Energy:** Solar sail technology showcases the potential of renewable energy sources in various applications, including space propulsion systems. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Space Rv Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dianai-solar-sailer.md) - [Progressive Air-Breathing Satellites](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sabresat.md) - [Eco-Friendly Nano Satellites](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/orbex-prime.md) - [Autonomous Sailing Research Vessels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/research-vessel.md) - [Solar-Powered Private Catamarans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zen50.md) - [Space-Launching Science Missions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-glenn-1.md) - [3D-Printed Space-Exploration Rockets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/x-bow-launch-systems.md) - [Renewable Energy Aircrafts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solarpowered-aircraft.md) - [Minimalist Solar Power Catamarans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/soel-senses-62-electric-catamaran.md)