Why NASA CAPSTONE is Important to Moon Return Missions; Satellite Now In Its Targeted Orbit

The NASA CAPSTONE satellite finally reached its targeted orbit. The rocket achieved this while the Artemis I mission was being prepared for its launch.

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).

"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.

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Written by Griffin Davis