Suggested Searches

CAPSTONE

A microwave oven–sized CubeSat weighing just 55 pounds is the first spacecraft to test a unique, elliptical lunar orbit as part of the Cislunar Autonomous Positioning System Technology Operations and Navigation Experiment (CAPSTONE).

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?

After a four-month journey to its target destination, CAPSTONE will orbit this area around the Moon for at least six months to understand the characteristics of the orbit. Specifically, it will validate the power and propulsion requirements for maintaining its orbit as predicted by NASA’s models, reducing logistical uncertainties.

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

Learn More

Edison of Demonstration of Small Sat Networks_CubeSats

What are SmallSats and CubeSats?

Learn how size and cost are measured.

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.

Keep Exploring

Discover More Topics From NASA

Small Spacecraft Systems Virtual Institute (S3VI)

STMD Small Spacecraft Technology

Technology

CubeSat Launch Initiative Resources