<p>NASA blasted a nanosatellite barely bigger than a microwave oven into outer space Tuesday, part of a landmark mission to return humans to the Moon.</p>.<p>A rocket carrying the tiny CAPSTONE module successfully launched from New Zealand's eastern Mahia Peninsula to a deafening blast and a wash of fiery propulsion.</p>.<p>All being well, in four months CAPSTONE will be in a position to begin an innovative surfboard-shaped "near rectilinear halo orbits" around the Moon.</p>.<p>Weighing about as much as a suitcase, the satellite is trail running an orbit for NASA's "Gateway" space station -- which will travel around the Moon and serve as a jumping off point for lunar exploration.</p>.<p>The orbit passes within 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometres) of the Moon at its closest point, before catapulting to 43,500 miles (70,000 kilometres) away at the furthest.</p>.<p>Scientists hope the orbit will be super-efficient, using the pull of both the Moon and the Earth to minimise fuel use.</p>.<p>As part of the same project, the United States eventually plans to put the first woman and first person of colour on the Moon.</p>.<p>NASA also plans to build a moonbase, and use the experience as a stepping stone to a crewed flight to Mars.</p>
<p>NASA blasted a nanosatellite barely bigger than a microwave oven into outer space Tuesday, part of a landmark mission to return humans to the Moon.</p>.<p>A rocket carrying the tiny CAPSTONE module successfully launched from New Zealand's eastern Mahia Peninsula to a deafening blast and a wash of fiery propulsion.</p>.<p>All being well, in four months CAPSTONE will be in a position to begin an innovative surfboard-shaped "near rectilinear halo orbits" around the Moon.</p>.<p>Weighing about as much as a suitcase, the satellite is trail running an orbit for NASA's "Gateway" space station -- which will travel around the Moon and serve as a jumping off point for lunar exploration.</p>.<p>The orbit passes within 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometres) of the Moon at its closest point, before catapulting to 43,500 miles (70,000 kilometres) away at the furthest.</p>.<p>Scientists hope the orbit will be super-efficient, using the pull of both the Moon and the Earth to minimise fuel use.</p>.<p>As part of the same project, the United States eventually plans to put the first woman and first person of colour on the Moon.</p>.<p>NASA also plans to build a moonbase, and use the experience as a stepping stone to a crewed flight to Mars.</p>