NASA has launched a nanosatellite slightly larger than a microwave oven into space as part of a landmark mission to put humans back on the Moon.
A rocket carrying the tiny CAPSTONE module successfully launched from New Zealand’s eastern Mahia Peninsula.
In a statement, Bradley Smith, NASA’s director of launch services, described the event as “absolutely amazing”.
“This incredible team has sent CAPSTONE into lunar orbit on a ballistic trajectory,” he said.
If all goes well, within four months CAPSTONE will be in a position to begin “near-linear halo orbits” around the Moon.
The satellite, which weighs about as much as a suitcase, is conducting an orbit test for NASA’s “Gateway” space station, which will travel around the Moon and serve as a breakpoint for lunar exploration.
The orbiter will pass within 1,600 kilometers of the Moon at its closest point before being launched 70,000 kilometers away at its farthest point.
Scientists hope the orbiter will be super-efficient, using both the Moon’s and Earth’s gravity to minimize fuel use.
As part of the same project, the United States plans to eventually send the first woman and the first person of color to the Moon.
NASA also plans to build a lunar base and use it as a stepping stone for a crewed flight to Mars.
Agence France-Presse
