NASA boffins explain why they’re attempting a unique lunar orbit

NASA’s long-awaited return to the Moon is starting to take shape — literally. The space agency has developed a unique lunar orbit for the Gateway space station, which will provide a staging post for visits to Earth’s nearest neighbor. Dubbed the near rectilinear halo orbit (NRHO), the celestial path has never been tested in space — until now. In a launch window that runs from June 13 to June 22, NASA aims to demonstrate the orbit in an area around the Moon. This unprecedented trajectory will be flown by a microwave-oven-sized craft called CAPSTONE. Rocket Lab’s Photon satellite bus will deliver CAPSTONE…

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