NASA has ended its involvement with the CAPSTONE mission after four years of lunar orbit operations. The probe, owned by Advanced Space, provided key lessons for future Moon missions.
The decision marks the conclusion of a pioneering public-private partnership that validated orbital dynamics around the Moon. CAPSTONE's data helped refine navigation techniques for the Artemis program.
The spacecraft will remain in lunar orbit under Advanced Space's control, though NASA will no longer fund or direct its operations. The mission originally launched in 2022 as a pathfinder for the Gateway outpost.
Advanced Space now carries sole responsibility for the probe's continued flight. The company may repurpose the spacecraft for commercial or research objectives.
No further details on the probe's future science goals or operational timeline have been disclosed.