NASA's Cislunar Autonomous Positioning System Operations Team has re-established communications with the Capstone satellite via the Deep Space Network (DSN). The data shows that it was in good condition and operated safely, even while not in contact with the Earth.
The team is preparing to conduct the first Capstone trajectory correction maneuver, which will more accurately target the satellite into a transfer orbit to the Moon. This will take place at 19:30 Moscow time on July 7th. The satellite is expected to reach orbit on November 13th.
The team is still actively working to determine the root cause of the problem with Capstone. Ground tests show that it arose during the commissioning of the communication system. The team will continue to evaluate the data that led to the communication issue.
The mission team, led by Advanced Space, re-established contact with Capstone for the first time at 17:26 Moscow time on July 6. The signal confirmed that the satellite was in the expected location, as predicted based on initial contacts on July 4th. The team began receiving telemetry data from Capstone at 18:18 Moscow time on July 6th.
Telemetry data shows that the satellite successfully operated autonomously, maintained the correct heading, maintained battery charge, and performed a desaturation maneuver.
The day before, NASA and Advanced Space spoke about the state of Capstone and efforts to restore communication with it.
On July 5, 2022, NASA reported the loss of communication with the satellite. The agency explained that after separating from the Photon satellite platform, Capstone has enough fuel to delay the first trajectory correction maneuver for a few days, if necessary.
Capstone was sent to the moon on June 30 to test the technologies of the American manned near-lunar station Gateway. This is a small cubesat with a mass of 25 kg, which should test the possibility of placing and maintaining manned lunar stations and spacecraft in similar orbits. Capstone will also explore the navigation system between spacecraft and demonstrate the feasibility of commercial support for lunar missions. His work should reduce the risks of logistical errors and inconsistencies during future lunar missions, including the launch of the Gateway orbital station.
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