Private rescue mission targets NASA Swift with on-orbit grapple
TL;DR
Katalyst Space Technologies’ Link is attempting to save NASA’s Swift gamma-ray observatory by grabbing and boosting its orbit after Swift spun out of control and lost two reaction wheels. Link’s remaining thruster and one wheel are being used to slow the spin and regain attitude control, with engineers reworking control algorithms and aiming for a late‑August rendezvous and capture of Swift. This marks NASA’s first commercial satellite-servicing effort.
- Here’s how engineers plan to save the satellite sent to save NASA’s Swift mission Ars Technica
- Efforts Continue to Stabilize LINK Spacecraft for NASA’s Swift Boost NASA Science (.gov)
- Mission to rescue space telescope may be in jeopardy ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos
- Private mission to rescue NASA’s aging telescope runs into its own trouble AP News
- Mission to Save Falling NASA Space Telescope Suffers Setback The New York Times
Want the full story? Read the original reporting
Read on Ars Technica