CAPSTONE reaches lunar orbit where Gateway lunar orbital station will be built

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) reported that the CAPSTONE satellite successfully entered lunar orbit.

Here's What We Know

CAPSTONE is a spacecraft used to test the technology of the U.S. manned station Gateway, which will be built in lunar orbit. On Nov. 14 at 20:38 (EDT) or 17:38 (PDT), the satellite turned on its engines and made its first orbital maneuver.

CAPSTONE's key mission is to test the feasibility of servicing the future station in lunar orbit. The spacecraft is scheduled to make two more maneuvers this week to improve its orbit, after which federal agency experts will be able to analyze data and determine the satellite's proper motion.

CAPSTONE went into space on June 28, 2022, with the Electron rocket, which launched from the Mahia Peninsula in New Zealand. During this time, NASA has lost contact with the satellite several times, but each time the connection has been restored.

As for Gateway, the construction of the lunar orbital station will begin in November 2024. It is needed to support the missions of the program Artemis to return people to the moon. The Artemis I mission is scheduled to launch on November 16.

Source: NASA