Nasa Lost Contact With
CAPSTONE spacecraft launched last week to test an unusual lunar orbit planned for NASA's Artemis moon program
The Microwave-Size CAPSTONE Also
Is designed to measure the deep space radiation environment and test techniques that might determine a moon-orbiting spacecraft's exact location
The Capstone Mission Cost $30m
$20 million for the spacecraft, its development and operations, and another $10 million for the Electron launcher.
After One Successful Communication
And a second partial one on Monday, the space agency said it could no longer communicate with the Capstone.
Engineers Are Trying
To find the cause of the communications drop-off and are optimistic they can fix it
Capstone Is Designed to Test
A unique elliptical orbit around the Moon for the planned Lunar Gateway, a small space station that will allow for a sustained human presence on the Moon.