Launch of NASA's CAPSTONE cubesat moon mission delayed again, to June 25

The launch of NASA's CAPSTONE moon mission will take place on June 25.

The most likely liftoff date for CAPSTONE is tomorrow, June 13th, according to NASA and Rocket Lab. The target date has been changed to June 25.

There is no reason for the delay.

There are photos of the rocket lab and its electron booster.

The Artemis program of lunar exploration is a key part of the CAPSTONE project.

Gateway, the small space station that will serve as a jumping-off point for the satellite, will occupy a highly elliptical path around the moon.

NASA officials wrote in a mission description that "CAPSTONE will help reduce risk for future spacecraft by validating innovative navigation technologies and verify the dynamics of this halo-shaped orbits."

Some other work will be done by CAPSTONE. For example, the cubesat will perform communications and navigation tests in conjunction with NASA's lunar exploration program, which has been circling the moon since 2009.

The launch will take place on the Mahia Peninsula of New Zealand's North Island.

A book about the search for alien life was written by Mike Wall. You can follow him on the social networking site. We encourage you to follow us on social media: