The NASA CAPSTONE satellite finally reached its targeted orbit. The rocket achieved this while the Artemis I mission was being prepared for its launch.
(Photo : Screenshot from Twitter post of @thePrimalSpace)
Why NASA CAPSTONE is Important to Moon Return Missions; Satellite Now In Its Targeted Orbit
NASA’s CAPSTONE spacecraft has arrived at its orbit at the Moon.
— Primal Space (@thePrimalSpace) November 14, 2022
The spacecraft is in the same orbit as NASA’s future space station (Gateway) at the Moon.
📸: NASA pic.twitter.com/Zu3AsXARs4
The international space union is expected to send its Artemis I mission into space as early as Nov. 16.
NASA even said that the giant SLS (Space Launch System) rocket, as well as the Orion spacecraft, are all clear for the official launch.
#SpaceHour
— Diana🌜✨🔭 (@onlybeci) November 14, 2022
@MoonHourFavs
NASA’s CAPSTONE, will become the first-ever spacecraft on its way to enter a Near-Rectilinear Halo Orbit (NRHO) around the Moon in a matter of hours after overcoming challenges along the way thanks to an amazing team. Congrats!🎉
Via @AdvancedSpace pic.twitter.com/PJTkPXo3UK
Meanwhile, the aerospace agency announced that CAPSTONE (Cislunar Autonomous Positioning System Technology Operations and Navigation Experiment) mission was able to enter the NRHO on Sunday, Nov. 13.
What is NASA CAPSTONE?
According to ZDNet's latest report, NASA's CAPSTONE is a 55-pound cube satellite. Its size is similar to a regular microwave.
(Photo : Screenshot from Twitter post of @CanberraDSN)
Why NASA CAPSTONE is Important to Moon Return Missions; Satellite Now In Its Targeted Orbit
Congratulations #CAPSTONE 🎉
— CanberraDSN 📡 (@CanberraDSN) November 14, 2022
It’s been a challenging journey, but you’ve arrived safely at the Moon.🛰️🌖 We’ll done @NASA @AdvancedSpace @RocketLab and all concerned. Another small step achieved in the #Artemis program. pic.twitter.com/W7gnSuHiyU
Also Read: NASA's Long-Delayed Artemis 1 Moon Rocket Boosters May Expire in December
The space agency created CAPSTONE to be the first spacecraft to enter a peculiar, elliptical lunar orbit, formally known as the near-rectilinear halo orbit (NRHO).
Earlier today, Capstone which was a payload of @NASA Launced by @RocketLab has arrived at @NASAMoon (Moon) today after about 4 months. It is kept in an orbit where @NASA_Gateway will be placed in future. It acts as a Tech demonstration. pic.twitter.com/JoRkqWOaRa
— Ayush Sapkota (@HiAyushSays) November 14, 2022
"Hanging almost like a necklace from the Moon, NRHO is a one-week orbit that is balanced between the Earth's and Moon's gravity," explained NASA.
Now, why is the CAPSTONE mission important for future moon return missions?
Why NASA CAPSTONE is Important
NASA Gov's official report explained that CAPSTONE could help future return moon missions since it will serve as a pathfinder for these launches.
The CAPSTONE mission will specifically assist the so-called "Gateway," a moon-orbiting output.
This lunar outpost is a part of NASA's Artemis program. CAPSTONE is expected to validate innovative navigation technologies, as well as verify the dynamics of NRHO.
NASA explained that this would reduce the risk of damage to future spacecraft that will visit the moon.
If you want to learn more about the CAPSTONE mission, you can visit this link.
Aside from the upcoming Artemis I launch and the ongoing CAPSTONE mission, NASA is also busy with other space activities.
Recently, we reported that the NASA Loftid heat shield had its test run. This heat shield is expected to protect astronauts who will visit Mars.
The NASA Hubble Space Telescope is also doing its thing. It previously captured a bright star hours after a supernova explosion.
For more news updates about NASA and its upcoming space missions, keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.
Related Article: NASA's CAPSTONE CubeSat Touches Down on the Moon
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Written by Griffin Davis
