Mission to rescue space telescope may be in jeopardy

Key Points:

• The LINK spacecraft, tasked with rescuing the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory from Earth's atmosphere, experienced a multi-axis spin due to a power-system failure disabling two of its three reaction wheels and issues with its cold gas thruster system.
• Katalyst Space is working to stabilize LINK using its gimbaled electric propulsion thrusters and plans to update its guidance, navigation, and control systems to manage the degraded configuration.
• Despite these technical challenges, NASA and Katalyst remain optimistic about the mission's viability and are jointly evaluating revised plans for the approach and capture of Swift, contingent on spacecraft safety and functionality.
• The mission is time-sensitive as the Swift Observatory is rapidly descending due to increased atmospheric drag and space weather, with a potential reentry and breakup expected by the end of the year if not rescued.
• Launched in 2004 and originally designed for a two-year lifespan, the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory has exceeded expectations by operating for over two decades, providing valuable multiwavelength data on gamma-ray bursts and other celestial phenomena.