Before the next NASA astronauts launch to the moon, NASA is testing a lunar orbit that’s never been flown before.

WATCH: NASA calls Artemis I dress rehearsal a success despite missed objectives

The Capstone mission is underway and is planned to serve as a “pathfinder” for NASA’s moon Gateway space station.

>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<

NASA reestablished communications with the Capstone spacecraft on Wednesday.

Photos: NASA reconnects with Capstone spacecraft en route to find new pathway to the moon

The Capstone team is now working to find out why communication was lost in the first place.

It appears to have been a combination of a command error and a software glitch that made the spacecraft’s radio lose connection.

READ: NASA asteroid mission on hold due to late software delivery

The Capstone spacecraft was launched just over a week ago by Rocket Lab.

Capstone is testing a unique lunar orbit that will one day be the home of NASA’s Gateway.

The spacecraft is not expected to reach its destination around the moon until mid-November.

READ: NASA hopes New Zealand launch will pave way for moon landing

For months, the spacecraft will gather data and demonstrate an onboard navigation system.

See more in the video above.

Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, and click here to watch the latest news on your Smart TV.