Swift reboost plan scrapped after Link attitude-control woes
TL;DR
Katalyst Space and NASA have canceled plans to use the Link spacecraft to grapple and raise the Swift gamma-ray observatory's orbit due to ongoing attitude-control problems (including a spin from failing reaction wheels). Link will instead conduct rendezvous and proximity operations near Swift, but the reboost is off, effectively ending Swift's active science phase this year; NASA and Katalyst will use the experience to inform future satellite servicing efforts.
Topics:sciencespace#katalyst-space-technologies#link-spacecraft#nasa#satellite-servicing#space#swift-gamma-ray-observatory
- Katalyst Space and NASA abandon plans for Swift reboost spacenews.com
- NASA Updates Next Steps for Commercial Swift Boost Mission NASA (.gov)
- Rescue mission can’t prevent NASA observatory from falling to Earth CNN
- NASA’s Attempt to Save Its Falling Telescope Has Failed nytimes.com
- Rescue mission is called off for NASA's aging Swift space telescope ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos
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