🌕 After autonomous cars on Earth, autonomous spacecraft around the Moon

NASA is preparing a mission composed of two small satellites capable of locating themselves and maneuvering around the Moon fully autonomously. Named CAPSTONE 02, this mission is to test technologies useful for maneuvers and rendezvous between spacecraft. Its launch is currently planned for 2027.

Operations around the Moon require more autonomy than in low Earth orbit. Communication delays, distances, and the combined influence of Earth and the Moon complicate trajectories. Future crews will nevertheless have to reach lunar landers with great precision.

This mission includes two identical small spacecraft that will help perfect technologies intended to prepare the Artemis programs, Moon Base, and deep space exploration.

This mission includes two identical small spacecraft that will help perfect technologies intended to prepare the Artemis programs, Moon Base, and deep space exploration.
Image Terran Orbital

CAPSTONE 02 will use two identical satellites of about 400 kg each designed by Terran Orbital. One will play the role of the chaser, while the other will serve as the target. The roles can then be reversed. This setup will make it possible to test several scenarios of approach, station-keeping, and formation flight.

The vehicles will use ground-based measurements, optical sensors, and the position of celestial bodies to locate themselves. They will also have to determine their relative position without constantly relying on ground stations. This capability builds on and extends the tests carried out by the first CAPSTONE mission.

The first CAPSTONE satellite had validated a so-called near-rectilinear orbit around the Moon. This orbit results from the combined attraction of Earth and its natural satellite. CAPSTONE 02 will move to a next step, focused on coordinated maneuvers between two vehicles.

The mission will carry three navigation software programs developed by NASA. It will also test a camera designed by the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. This instrument will help the satellites identify their surroundings and will be able to produce images of the lunar surface.

These tests are intended to reduce dependence on ground teams for routine tasks. They will also help prepare future rendezvous between Orion, lunar orbit stations, and landing modules.

TI
TitouB

But so, if the ship can navigate around the Moon on its own, can it continue even if the link with Earth cuts out for a moment?

MO
Moka17

TitouB yes, that’s exactly the idea: not to be constantly dependent on the ground. However, a long break would surely remain problematic for mission tracking.

KR
Kroco_8

400 kg each, that still makes for some large « small satellites ». I'm curious to see how far the autonomy actually goes if a sensor provides an incorrect position.

PI
PixelMou

400 kg for the « little » satellite 😅 in space everything is relative I guess

BI
Biscotte

Will they also be able to avoid a small piece of debris on their own, or is autonomy mainly for orientation and getting closer?

MI
MissTinguette

What reassures me most is that they are testing this with two satellites before putting crews on it. Around the Moon, a small docking error can quickly become complicated.

TI
TitouB

And can they decide on their own to cancel a merger if things go south?

MO
Moka17

TitouB yes, in principle an autonomous system must be able to interrupt a maneuver if its measurements become inconsistent or if safety conditions are no longer met. This is precisely an important point to test before rendezvous with crew.

PI
PixelMou

So basically they're teaching satellites how to parallel park around the Moon 😅 I just hope the "beep beep beep" mode is planned for when they get too close

MO
Moka17

Biscotte, for small debris it seems more complicated: you still have to detect them early enough. Here, I rather understood that the autonomy was mainly aimed at navigation and the approach between the two satellites.