Oct 7, 2022 | CAPSTONE Mission
Over the past couple of weeks, the CAPSTONE mission team has been working to resolve an anomaly that occurred early last month and resulted in the spacecraft losing full 3-axis attitude control and entering into a spin stabilized state. Through extensive analysis and evaluation supported by a dedicated team of individuals on the mission team and key partners, the most likely cause of the anomaly was identified as a valve related issue on one of the spacecraft’s eight (8) thrusters. The partially open valve resulted in thrust from the associated thruster whenever the propulsion system was pressurized. To attempt a recovery from this condition, the mission team conducted multiple tests on the vehicle and evaluated extensive telemetry and simulation data and then formulated a plan for attempting recovery of the vehicle’s full 3-axis control. (more…)
Sep 30, 2022 | CAPSTONE Mission
On September 21st, we provided an update on the CAPSTONE mission. Below is a new update. (more…)
Sep 21, 2022 | CAPSTONE Mission
On September 15th, we provided an update on the CAPSTONE mission. Below is a new update. (more…)
Sep 15, 2022 | CAPSTONE Mission
On September 12th, we provided an update on the CAPSTONE mission. Below is an update. (more…)
Sep 12, 2022 | CAPSTONE Mission
On September 10th we provided an update on the CAPSTONE mission and below are updated details on the situation. (more…)
Sep 10, 2022 | CAPSTONE Mission
The CAPSTONE spacecraft was executing a planned trajectory correction maneuver Thursday evening, September 8th. We have since obtained telemetry that confirms the vehicle suffered an anomaly near the end of the planned maneuver and is currently in safe mode. The CAPSTONE mission team has good knowledge of the state and status of the spacecraft. The anomaly resolution has been enabled by the exceptional support of the team at NASA’s Deep Space Network. The mission operations team is in contact with the vehicle and working to resolve the anomaly. As resolution efforts progress, more updates will be provided. The spacecraft remains on its planned course to the Moon.
