NASA's CAPSTONE: Flying a New Path to the Moon

Capstone is a small spacecraft designed to test a unique lunar orbit, the near rectilinear halo orbit, which will be used by NASA's Gateway. The mission, led by Advanced Space and launched by Rocket Lab, will use gravitational forces to reach its destination. Capstone will orbit the Moon for six months, gathering data and demonstrating a new navigation system that communicates with the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter. This mission aims to support future spacecraft and human exploration around the Moon.

What is the primary goal of the Capstone mission?

• To explore Mars

• To establish a permanent base on the Moon

• To test a new propulsion system

• To test a unique lunar orbit for NASA's Gateway

Which company is responsible for launching the Capstone spacecraft?

• SpaceX

• Blue Origin

• Boeing

• Rocket Lab

What is the shape of the trajectory that Capstone will follow around the Moon?

• Elliptical

• Circular

• Parabolic

• Near rectilinear halo

How will Capstone maintain continuous communication with Earth?

• By using a network of satellites

• Using a relay station on Mars

• Through a direct line of sight with Earth

• By orbiting the Moon's poles

What is the significance of Capstone's onboard navigation system?

• It allows for faster travel to the Moon

• It enables spacecraft to determine their location without Earth-based tracking

• It enhances communication speed with Earth

• It provides real-time weather updates