Updated

Updated · Space.com · Jul 31

NASA Plans 2-Probe CAPSTONE 02 Lunar Test in 2027 for Three-Body Orbit Navigation

Updated

Updated · Space.com · Jul 31

NASA Plans 2-Probe CAPSTONE 02 Lunar Test in 2027 for Three-Body Orbit Navigation

2 articles · Updated · Space.com · Jul 31

Two maneuverable CAPSTONE 02 probes are slated to launch in 2027 to fly in close formation around the moon, giving NASA new data on how spacecraft behave in cislunar three-body orbits.
The mission targets the overlapping gravity of Earth and the moon, where the pair will alternate chaser and target roles and use celestial navigation, optical sensors and ground-telescope data during maneuvers.
NASA says those tests will help validate communications and navigation methods needed for Artemis operations, including Orion rendezvous with lunar landers in cislunar space on the planned 2027 Artemis III mission.
Terran Orbital Systems is building the spacecraft, extending a CAPSTONE program whose first probe launched in 2022 and ended in June 2026 after becoming the first to test a lunar three-body orbit.

Sources

Space.com6d ago

NASA to Launch CAPSTONE 02 Probes in 2027 for Lunar Three-Body Orbit Testing

The Universe. Space. Tech6d ago

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