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CAPSTONE

A microwave oven–sized CubeSat, named CAPSTONE, weighing just 55 pounds tests a unique, elliptical lunar orbit as a pathfinder for Gateway, a Moon-orbiting outpost that is part of NASA’s Artemis campaign. The CAPSTONE spacecraft is helping reduce risk for future spacecraft by validating innovative navigation technologies and verifying the dynamics of this halo-shaped orbit.

Active Mission

CAPSTONE Will Soon Meet the Crux of Its Deep Space Route to the Moon

CAPSTONE Launches to Test New Orbit for NASA’s Artemis Moon Missions

CAPSTONE’s CubeSat Prepares for Lunar Flight

As a pathfinder for Gateway, a Moon-orbiting outpost that is part of NASA’s Artemis program, CAPSTONE will help reduce risk for future spacecraft by validating innovative navigation technologies and verifying the dynamics of this halo-shaped orbit.

Mission Type

Small Spacecraft

Led By

Small Spacecraft Technology Program

Launch

June 28, 2022

lunar Orbit insertion maneuver

November 13, 2022

About

What is CAPSTONE?

On Nov. 13, 2022, the CAPSTONE spacecraft entered lunar orbit successfully completing its technology demonstration objectives within six months. The newly extended CAPSTONE mission enables further exploration of lunar orbit characteristics, advancement of navigation technologies through interaction with other NASA spacecraft and communication networks, and demonstration of innovative networking and spacecraft positioning technologies.

Learn About CAPSTONE about What is CAPSTONE?
A blue-tinted sphere at the center, representing the Earth, and the Moon at the outer edge. A grey line circles both, lacing into a crown-like shape.
Capstone illustration
NASA

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The capstone spacecraft with solar panels open on either side is lit on one side by the sun which is peeking out in the background from behind the darkened Earth.

TechPort Project Summary

Learn more about the project.

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