CAPSTONE Launch to the Moon

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Moon Exploration Lunar Research Space Science Astronomy Space Technology Lunar Missions Lunar Surface Lunar Geology Spacecraft Design Lunar Resources Moon Colonization Planetary Science Lunar Environment Space Robotics Lunar Mapping Extraterrestrial Habitats Lunar Samples Moon Observation Space Innovation Lunar Sustainability

Watch the launch from New Zealand of CAPSTONE, a new pathfinder CubeSat that will explore a unique orbit around the Moon!

The Cislunar Autonomous Positioning System Technology Operations and Navigation Experiment, or CAPSTONE, will be the first spacecraft to fly a near rectilinear halo orbit (NRHO) around the Moon, where the pull of gravity from Earth and the Moon interact to allow for a nearly-stable orbit. CAPSTONE's test of this orbit will lead the way for our future Artemis lunar outpost called Gateway.

CAPSTONE is targeted to launch at 5:55 a.m. EDT (9:55 UTC) Tuesday, June 28 on Rocket Lab’s Electron rocket from the company’s Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand

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