X Report 21 Jan 2025
SpaceX successfully launches 21 Starlink satellites, marking their return post-Starship explosion. Starship's recent test flight leaves debris washing ashore, while Blue Origin's New Glenn debut sparks discussion.
ACS3 (59588)
COSPAR: 2024-077B | Alt Name: Advanced Composite Solar Sail System
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
January 1, 45405
Launch Site
Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1, Māhia, New Zealand
Launch Pad
LC1B
Launch Vehicle
Electron
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59588
International Designator
2024-077B
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 16:48:18 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
97.18°
Right Ascension
112.29°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
31.31°
Period
103.19 min
Mean Motion
13.95 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
ACS3
Alternative Name
Advanced Composite Solar Sail System
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
NASA Ames Research Center
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
2024-04-23: Launch; 2024-08-29: Successful deployment of solar sail; 2024-10-25: Detection of slight bend in one boom, mission continues.
Latest TLEs
1 59588U 24077B 26200.70021256 .00003608 00000+0 25000-2 0 9993
2 59588 97.1775 112.2879 0129376 31.3060 329.5729 13.95428126112578
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The ACS3 satellite, also known as the Advanced Composite Solar Sail System, is a CubeSat 12U technology demonstration satellite manufactured by Kongsberg NanoAvionics for NASA Ames Research Center. Launched on April 23, 2024, from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in Māhia, New Zealand, using an Electron launch vehicle, the ACS3 has a length of 0.3 meters, diameter of 0.2 meters, and a span of 12.7 meters when deployed. The satellite's dry mass is 16.1 kg, equal to its launch mass. It uses solar cells and batteries for power and features advanced composite materials in its solar sail propulsion system with carbon fiber reinforced polymer booms coated with polyethylene naphthalate film and metals.
The mission objectives include demonstrating the deployment and functionality of a solar sail for future small spacecraft missions. Key events include successful solar sail deployment on August 29, 2024, and detection of a slight bend in one boom on October 25, 2024, with ongoing mission operations continuing as of February 2025. The satellite is equipped with three-axis stabilization and has transmitter frequencies at 401.5 MHz and 2.268 GHz. Its shape is described as a box with a deployed sail, colored silver for the sail and white for the bus section.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.3
Diameter
0.2
Span
12.7
Dry Mass
16.1
Launch Mass
16.1
Shape
Box with deployed sail
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
2
Color
Silver (sail) and white (bus)
Material Composition
Polyethylene naphthalate film coated with aluminum and chromium; carbon fiber reinforced polymer booms.
Technical Details
Payload
Advanced Composite Solar Sail System
Purpose
Demonstrate the deployment and functionality of a solar sail using composite booms for future small spacecraft missions.
Mission
Technology demonstration of solar sail propulsion using advanced composite materials.
Manufacturer
Kongsberg NanoAvionics
Life Expectancy
Ongoing; mission operations continue as of February 2025.
Bus
CubeSat 12U
Configuration
CubeSat (12U)
Motor
None
Equipment
Solar sail
Power System
Solar cells and batteries
ADCS
Three-axis stabilization
Transmitter Frequency
401.5 MHz, 2.268 GHz
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Space Brief 17 Nov 2025
Today's highlights include key advancements for the Dream Chaser, SpaceX's record launches, Moon mission crowding concerns, and updates in European space policy.
Space Brief 20 Apr 2025
Today's highlights include advances in space tracking technology by the US Space Force, SpaceX's infrastructure expansion, and a spectacular birthday landing on Earth. Additionally, we spotlight a significant exoplanetary discovery and satellite updates.
Artemis II Rolls Out to Pad 39B, China Hit by Dual Launch Failures | KeepTrack Space Brief
Artemis II SLS/Orion rolls to Launch Complex 39B for first crewed lunar mission since 1972. China suffers dual launch failures on the same day. SpainSat NG 2 declared total loss from debris strike.
Three Chinese Rocket Bodies Exploded, Generating Decades of LEO Debris | KeepTrack Space Brief
Three Chinese rocket bodies have exploded over four years, creating debris clouds that will linger for decades to centuries, according to LeoLabs analysis. Fragmentation events threaten commercial and military operators.
Space Brief 2 Dec 2024
Today's space updates include a new EU space commissioner's priorities, insights from declassified satellite images, and an update on NASA's Europa Clipper mission. A highlight in the Satellite Spotlight features the Russian satellite COSMOS 2070.
X Report 17 Apr 2025
Starbase expansion progresses and Germany eyes its own satellite constellation.
Space Brief 3 Nov 2025
Highlighting India's significant military satellite launch, real-time satellite tracking developments in Europe, SpaceX's new rideshare mission, and more space industry news.