The CAPSTONE satellite went into safe mode earlier this month after a trajectory correction maneuver, but engineers at NASA are still working on it. The satellite is not yet back to normal, but progress has been made in learning what happened.
The most pressing issue is the temperature of the spaceship. The space environment is so cold that electronics need to be heated in order to function properly. After CAPSTONE performed its maneuver, the system fell below its operating temperature.
The good news is that there is enough power for the system to function. According to NASA, CAPSTONE's power appears to be sufficient for heating of the propulsion system over the last few days. The team will evaluate the system for use in the recovery operation once it is at 41 degrees F.
The company that owns and operates CAPSTONE for NASA gives more information. The company says that communications with the satellite are now dramatically improved. It did not say what the initial cause of the issue was.
There is still a plan for the craft to go toward an elliptical path around the moon. This isn't the first time this has been done, but it should be relatively easy to maintain. The Gateway space station will be used to provide logistical support for moon voyages. CAPSTONE wants to see if this is feasible in practice.
The spaceship is going to enter this in the fall. NASA and Advanced Space want to minimize further risk to the mission, but they don't have a timetable for recovery.
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