NASA launches mini satellite to return to the moon

NASA launched a nanosatellite, barely larger than a microwave oven, into space on Tuesday as part of a landmark mission to return humans to the moon.

A rocket carrying the tiny CAPSTONE module successfully launched from New Zealand's eastern Mahia Peninsula in a deafening explosion and a barrage of fiery propulsion.

"We've lifted off!" NASA said in a statement shortly after the launch at 09:55 GMT, which was described as "absolutely fantastic" by Bradley Smith, NASA's chief of launch services.

"This incredible team has just sent CAPSTONE onto a ballistic trajectory into lunar orbit," he said.

If all goes well, in four months CAPSTONE will be able to launch innovative surfboard-shaped "near-rectilinear halo orbits" around the moon.

Weighing about the weight of a suitcase, the satellite is conducting an in-orbit test drive for NASA's Gateway space station, which will orbit the moon and serve as a base for lunar exploration.

The orbit passes within 1,600 kilometres (1,000 miles) of the moon at its closest point before being catapulted to 43,500 miles (70,000 kilometres) away at its furthest point.

Scientists hope the orbit will be super-efficient, using the gravitational pull of both the Moon and Earth to minimize fuel burn.

Eventually, as part of the same project, the United States plans to put the first woman and the first person of colour on the moon.

NASA also plans to build a lunar base, using the experience as a springboard for a manned flight to Mars.

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