TransAstra Launches Feasibility Study for Asteroid Capture Mission Near Earth

California startup TransAstra is initiating a feasibility study for its 'New Moon' project, aimed at capturing a 100-ton asteroid using a giant inflatable bag. In partnership with institutions like the University of Central Florida and NASA's JPL, the project seeks to establish a robotic outpost to exploit asteroidal resources, reducing reliance on expensive Earth launches. A successful one-meter prototype of the 'Capture Bag' was tested on the ISS in October 2025. A contract worth $2.5 million from NASA will help develop a 10-meter version for the mission, potentially launching in 2028 or 2029.

Published Mar 23, 2026

TransAstra is conducting a feasibility study for its 'New Moon' mission, which aims to capture a 100-ton asteroid using an inflatable bag and move it near Earth. The company, in collaboration with the University of Central Florida and NASA's JPL, has received funding to explore this project further.

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The 'Capture Bag' technology, tested successfully on the ISS in October 2025, will be scaled up to a 10-meter version for the mission. The goal is to utilize the asteroid's resources, creating a space materials depot and reducing the costs of launching materials from Earth.

A target asteroid approximately 20 meters in diameter is planned, with a potential launch in 2028 or 2029 contingent on funding. The U.S. Space Force is also interested in the dual-use applications of this technology.