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NASA's newly unfurled solar sail has started 'tumbling' end-over-end in orbit, surprising observations show

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A NASA spacecraft that recently unfurled a solar sail in Earth orbit is "tumbling or wobbling" through space.

The Advanced Composite Solar Sail System (ACS3) mission aims to test the efficacy of a new type of solar sail.

Researchers hope that this type of technology could one day help propel humans to the edge of the solar system and beyond.

Harry is a U.K.-based senior staff writer at Live Science . He studied marine biology at the University of Exeter before training to become a journalist. He covers a wide range of topics including space exploration, planetary science, space weather, climate change, animal behavior, evolution and paleontology. His feature on the upcoming solar maximum was shortlisted in the "top scoop" category at the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) Awards for Excellence in 2023 ..