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Private LINK mission to rescue NASA's Swift telescope from burning up in Earth's atmosphere

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Source: Space
Private LINK mission to rescue NASA's Swift telescope from burning up in Earth's atmosphere
Photo: Space
TL;DR

NASA launched the LINK servicing satellite aboard a Pegasus XL rocket to rendezvous with the aging Swift Observatory and tow it into a higher, stable orbit to prevent its reentry into Earth's atmosphere. LINK, built by Katalyst Space Technologies, will use robotic arms to capture Swift and then fire ion thrusters to gradually raise the duo’s orbit over months, extending Swift’s scientific life for years at a cost of about $30 million — a private mission that could mark the first private capture of a U.S. government satellite.

Topics:sciencespace-exploration#link-spacecraft#nasa#pegasus-xl-rocket#satellite-rescue#space-exploration#swift-observatory
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  1. NASA launches rescue mission to save Swift space telescope from burning up in Earth's atmosphere  Space
  2. Nasa launches mission to save falling space telescope  BBC
  3. NASA, Partners Update Launch Date for Mission to Boost Swift  NASA Science (.gov)
  4. Rescue mission launches to save NASA telescope that’s falling back to Earth  AP News
  5. Last-minute launch problem delays satellite rescue mission for NASA  ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos

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