The CAPSTONE mission, a small but significant step in humanity’s return to the Moon, continues to make strides in space exploration. Officially named the Cislunar Autonomous Positioning System Technology Operations and Navigation Experiment, CAPSTONE is a NASA-led project designed to test innovative technologies for lunar missions. Launched in June 2022, the mission remains active, gathering data and refining systems that could shape the future of lunar exploration. This article reviews the mission’s current status, its objectives, and its role in upcoming lunar endeavors.
Mission Overview
CAPSTONE is a CubeSat, a type of small satellite roughly the size of a microwave oven, weighing about 55 pounds. Built and operated by Advanced Space, a private company, and launched by Rocket Lab, this compact spacecraft carries a big responsibility. Its primary goal is to test a unique orbit around the Moon called a Near-Rectilinear Halo Orbit (NRHO). This orbit, shaped like an elongated oval, allows a spacecraft to maintain a stable position relative to both the Moon and Earth, conserving fuel while staying in constant communication with ground stations.
The mission also tests advanced navigation technologies, enabling the spacecraft to determine its position without relying heavily on Earth-based tracking systems. These innovations are vital for future lunar missions, particularly NASA’s Artemis program, which plans to establish a sustained human presence on the Moon.
Journey to the Moon
CAPSTONE’s journey began on June 28, 2022, when it launched aboard a Rocket Lab Electron rocket from New Zealand. Unlike traditional missions that take a direct path to their destination, CAPSTONE followed a fuel-efficient trajectory called a ballistic lunar transfer. This path, which took nearly four months, allowed the spacecraft to reach the Moon using minimal propulsion, a strategy that could benefit future missions with limited fuel budgets.
On November 13, 2022, CAPSTONE successfully entered its target orbit, becoming the first spacecraft to operate in an NRHO around the Moon. This milestone marked a significant achievement, as the orbit’s stability and proximity to the lunar surface make it ideal for NASA’s planned Lunar Gateway, a space station that will serve as a staging point for Artemis missions.
Current Status
As of July 2025, CAPSTONE remains operational, continuing to collect data and refine its systems. The spacecraft has been in its Near-Rectilinear Halo Orbit for over two and a half years, demonstrating the orbit’s long-term viability. It performs regular maneuvers to maintain its path, using a low-thrust propulsion system that’s both efficient and precise.
The mission team, led by Advanced Space, monitors CAPSTONE’s performance from Earth, ensuring its instruments and navigation systems function as intended. The spacecraft’s primary tasks include testing its autonomous navigation technology, which allows it to calculate its position relative to other objects, such as NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter. This capability reduces dependence on ground-based tracking, a critical feature for future missions operating far from Earth.
CAPSTONE has also faced challenges. Early in its journey, the spacecraft experienced a communication issue that briefly disrupted contact with mission control. Engineers resolved the problem, and the spacecraft has since maintained stable operations. These experiences have provided valuable lessons for managing small spacecraft in deep space, informing the design and operation of future missions.
Key Objectives and Achievements
CAPSTONE’s mission focuses on two main goals: validating the Near-Rectilinear Halo Orbit and testing autonomous navigation. The orbit’s unique properties make it a promising choice for the Lunar Gateway, as it offers a balance of accessibility and efficiency. By maintaining a close distance to the Moon (as near as 1,000 miles) and a farther distance (up to 43,500 miles), the orbit allows spacecraft to conserve fuel while supporting crewed missions and scientific experiments.
The autonomous navigation system, known as the Cislunar Autonomous Positioning System (CAPS), is another cornerstone of the mission. This technology enables CAPSTONE to communicate with other spacecraft, like the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, to determine its position. By reducing reliance on Earth-based systems, CAPS paves the way for more independent and scalable lunar operations.
So far, CAPSTONE has achieved several milestones. It successfully entered and maintained its target orbit, validated the NRHO’s stability, and demonstrated the effectiveness of its navigation system. These accomplishments provide NASA and its partners with critical data to refine the Lunar Gateway’s design and operations.
Role in the Artemis Program
CAPSTONE is a trailblazer for NASA’s Artemis program, which seeks to land the first woman and first person of color on the Moon by 2026. The mission’s findings directly inform the Lunar Gateway, a key component of Artemis. The Gateway will serve as a hub for astronauts, enabling them to conduct scientific research, test new technologies, and prepare for missions to the lunar surface and beyond.
By confirming the Near-Rectilinear Halo Orbit’s suitability, CAPSTONE reduces risks for the Gateway’s deployment. Its navigation experiments also lay the groundwork for a network of lunar spacecraft that can operate with greater autonomy, making future missions more efficient and cost-effective.
Technical Specifications
For those curious about CAPSTONE’s design, the table below summarizes its key features:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | CubeSat (12U configuration) |
| Size | Approximately 12 inches x 12 inches x 24 inches |
| Weight | About 55 pounds (25 kilograms) |
| Propulsion | Low-thrust hydrazine propulsion system |
| Power | Solar panels with rechargeable batteries |
| Primary Instruments | Radio for navigation and communication, star trackers for orientation |
| Orbit | Near-Rectilinear Halo Orbit (NRHO) around the Moon |
| Launch Date | June 28, 2022 |
| Launch Vehicle | Electron rocket by Rocket Lab |
| Mission Duration | Ongoing, with primary mission phase completed in 2023 |
Future Implications
CAPSTONE’s success has far-reaching implications for lunar exploration. By proving the Near-Rectilinear Halo Orbit’s stability, it sets the stage for the Lunar Gateway, which will support long-term human presence on the Moon. The mission’s navigation technology could also enable a new generation of spacecraft to operate independently, reducing costs and complexity for future missions.
Beyond Artemis, CAPSTONE’s innovations may benefit commercial lunar ventures. Companies like Advanced Space and Rocket Lab are demonstrating that small, cost-effective spacecraft can play a significant role in space exploration. This approach could open the Moon to more players, from private companies to international partners, fostering a collaborative lunar economy.
Summary
The CAPSTONE mission, now in its third year, continues to deliver valuable insights for lunar exploration. Its successful operation in a Near-Rectilinear Halo Orbit and ongoing tests of autonomous navigation mark it as a key contributor to NASA’s Artemis program. By overcoming challenges and achieving its objectives, CAPSTONE is paving the way for the Lunar Gateway and future lunar missions. As the mission progresses, it underscores the potential of small spacecraft to make a big impact, bringing humanity closer to a sustained presence on the Moon.
