Nanosatellite to test solar sail May 03, 2021 // By Nick Flaherty NanoAvionics is building a 12U nanosatellite to test out a solar sail propulsion system in low earth orbit Lithuanian nanosatellite specialist NanoAvionics is to build a 12U bus system to demonstrate a solar sail system in orbit. The Advanced Composite Solar Sail System (ACS3) measures approximately 800 square foot (74 square meter) with a composite boom and solar sail. The aim of the ACS3 mission is to replace conventional rocket propellants by developing and testing solar sails using sunlight beams to thrust the nanosatellite. These solar sail propulsion systems are designed for future small interplanetary spacecrafts destined for low-cost deep-space and science missions requiring long-duration, low-thrust propulsion. NASA Ames Research Centre has contracted AST, the majority owner of NanoAvionics, for the 12U bus to carry the payload into low Earth orbit (LEO).