NASAs long-awaited returnto theMoonis starting to take shape literally.
Dubbed the nearrectilinear haloorbit (NRHO), the celestial path has never been tested in space until now.
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CAPSTONEs elongated route is located at a precise balance point in the gravities of the Earth and Moon.
In addition to reducing fuel consumption, the crown-shaped orbit offers extra stability for long-term missions.
If successful, the test could make space travel more cost-effective and safe.
This aims to prove the route is appropriate for crewed missions.
The location also offers an ideal staging area for missions to the Moon and beyond.
Story byThomas Macaulay
Thomas is the managing editor of TNW.
He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers.
Away from work, he e(show all)Thomas is the managing editor of TNW.
He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers.
Away from work, he enjoys playing chess (badly) and the guitar (even worse).
