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NASA Rescue Mission Spirals Into Crisis
Yahoo • • science
Key Points:
- NASA launched a risky mission to rescue its aging Swift observatory by using a specialized space tug called LINK, developed by Katalyst Space Technologies, to boost the telescope to a more stable orbit.
- Shortly after launch on July 3, LINK experienced attitude control issues, causing it to spin uncontrollably due to failures in two of its three reaction wheels and partial loss of its cold gas thruster system.
- Despite the problems, LINK’s other subsystems remain functional, allowing communication with ground control, and the Katalyst team is working to stop the spacecraft’s spin before deciding how to proceed with the rescue mission.
- The Swift observatory, nearly 22 years old, is the only orbital telescope capable of detecting gamma ray bursts, but without intervention, it is expected to burn up in Earth's atmosphere within months.
- NASA views the mission as a valuable attempt despite setbacks, with the $30 million contract representing a modest investment compared to other space projects, reflecting the agency’s willingness to innovate in extending the life of aging spacecraft.
