Exolaunch Successfully Deploys NASA’s ACS3 Satellite
May 01 2024 - 7:56AM
Business Wire
This marks the first-ever satellite Exolaunch
has deployed for NASA, which launched via Rocket Lab’s Electron
vehicle on April 23, 2024.
Exolaunch, the global provider in launch mission management,
integration, and satellite deployment services, provided its
industry-leading deployment services for NASA’s Advanced Composite
Solar Sail System (ACS3) satellite aboard Rocket Lab’s "Beginning
of the Swarm" mission. The liftoff occurred on April 23 at 1000 NZT
/ 2200 UTC from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in Māhia, New Zealand.
As the first satellite the company has deployed for NASA, this
landmark launch is Exolaunch’s 28th mission, further solidifying
its position as a trusted partner in the space industry for
commercial companies, research institutions, and government space
agencies alike.
ACS3, which features a 12U nanosatellite bus built by Kongsberg
NanoAvionics, is testing new structures for solar sail systems,
which harness sunlight for propulsion. The satellite was
successfully deployed into orbit using Exolaunch’s flight-proven
EXOpod deployer, emphasizing the company’s expertise in launch
mission integration and reliable satellite deployment hardware.
With NASA’s ACS3 now in orbit, the mission’s primary objective
is to test the deployment of lightweight booms designed to unfurl a
solar sail measuring about 30 feet per side. ACS3 marks the first
use of composite booms, as well as sail packing and deployment
systems, for a solar sail in space. Additionally, exploring solar
sailing as a viable alternative to chemical and electric propulsion
systems is crucial to enabling future low-cost, efficient deep
space missions. This innovative technology holds great promise for
a variety of applications, including space weather monitoring
satellites, asteroid reconnaissance missions, and solar observation
missions, contributing to significant advancements in space
exploration and science.
“Exolaunch is honored to have been a part of NASA’s ACS3
mission,” commented Jake Cornish, US launch director at Exolaunch.
“Congratulations to NASA and Kongsberg NanoAvionics on reaching
this crucial milestone, and thank you, Rocket Lab, for a smooth
ride to orbit. We are excited to see the potential applications of
ACS3 unfold, and are proud to support and enable NASA’s innovative
endeavors in space exploration using small satellites.”
About Exolaunch
Exolaunch is a global leader in launch mission integration and
deployment technologies based in Denver, Colorado and Berlin,
Germany. With a decade of flight heritage and over 390 satellites
launched across 28 missions to date, Exolaunch leverages industry
insight to tailor turnkey solutions that meet customer needs and
respond to market trends. Exolaunch fulfills launch contracts for
industry leaders, the world's most innovative start-ups, research
institutions, government organizations, and international space
agencies. The company develops and manufactures its own
flight-proven and industry-leading small satellite separation
systems, with the fastest-growing heritage on the market. Exolaunch
promotes safe, sustainable, and responsible use of space and is
committed to making space accessible for all.
For more information, please visit www.exolaunch.com
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