Race to Save Swift: private-led rescue mission in record time
TL;DR
NASA and Katalyst Space Technologies are racing to save the Swift gamma-ray observatory by building the Link servicing spacecraft to capture Swift and boost it back to a safe orbit, launching aboard Northrop Grumman’s Pegasus XL on a record-fast timeline. The mission relies on streamlined contracting and aggressive testing under time pressure, potentially setting a blueprint for rapid, private-public space missions, though Swift continues to decay in low Earth orbit.
Topics:sciencetechnology#katalyst-space-technologies#nasa#orbital-decay#pegasus-xl#swift-observatory#technology
- A bold satellite rescue mission came together in record time, but will it work? Ars Technica
- Rocket Attached to Aircraft for Katalyst-NASA Swift Boost NASA Science (.gov)
- Swift reboost mission ready for launch SpaceNews
- A space telescope is falling to Earth. NASA plans a mission to rescue it USA Today
- NASA discussing bold mission to boost Swift space telescope today: Listen live Space
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