Since humans began the era of moon exploration in the 1960s, the greatest challenge has been how to navigate safely within the complex environment surrounding it, where Earth's gravity interferes with the moon's gravity to form orbital paths that differ from traditional orbits around Earth.
With the resurgence of global interest in lunar exploration through the "Artemis" program, the US space agency NASA is seeking to develop new technologies that ensure the accurate and efficient operation of spacecraft in this unique space.
Capstone will test the communications and navigation systems that will be used by future Artemis missions.
"Capstone" will test the communications and navigation systems that will be used by future "Artemis" missions (NASA).
In this context, the agency announced a new mission called "Capstone 2" which aims to test the navigation, communication and maneuvering capabilities necessary to establish a sustainable human presence on the moon and later venture into the depths of the solar system.
A new mission in preparation for the era of lunar bases
NASA plans to launch the mission in 2027, and it will consist of two small probes capable of maneuvering close to each other as they orbit the moon.
The two probes will operate in close flight formation within "three-body orbits," with each changing its role alternately between a "chaser" and a "target" vehicle. This approach allows engineers to study the effects of the combined gravity of the Earth and the Moon on the movement of spacecraft with unprecedented precision.
Geometric representation of three-body orbits around the Moon
Geometric representation of the three-body orbits around the Moon (NASA)
The significance of this mission lies in the fact that the region between the Earth and the Moon is not governed by the gravitational pull of just one celestial body, but rather by the combined gravitational forces of both. This makes navigation in this region far more complex than in typical Earth orbits. This environment also provides an opportunity to test new methods of vehicle control before their adoption in future crewed missions.
The two probes are manufactured by Terran Orbital, while NASA oversees the execution of the mission and the analysis of its results.
Navigation technologies will be used by Artemis missions
In addition to testing movement in these complex orbits, the mission will test the communication and navigation systems that future Artemis missions will use, whether to transport astronauts to the lunar surface or to establish a permanent lunar base.
The two probes will rely on a combination of navigation methods, including celestial object tracking, optical sensors, and data collected by ground-based telescopes, allowing them to accurately determine their positions during maneuvers.
An artist's rendering of two probes in lunar orbit as part of a NASA mission to support the Artemis program.
This method is similar to what the Orion spacecraft will adopt when it meets lunar landers on future missions, as it will use multiple data sources to ensure that rendezvous and docking operations are carried out safely.
Sean Fuller, project manager for NASA's "Capstone" Lunar Base program, said, "This mission represents an important step in developing the capabilities needed to operate in space between the Earth and the Moon."
He added that "Capstone lays the foundation for lunar infrastructure and commercial services that will support the Artemis program, the lunar base project, and future missions to deep space."
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