NASA Tests New "Autopilot" Software for Moon Missions

NASA's CAPSTONE mission, a cubesat launched in 2022, is testing advanced autonomous navigation and maneuvering software in cislunar space. Despite early technical issues, the spacecraft is now operational and aiding in the development of the cislunar Gateway space station. The mission, costing around $30 million, includes testing software for precision navigation, anomaly detection, and deep space maneuvering, aiming to enhance future spacecraft operations in the lunar vicinity.