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Private mission to save NASA's Swift Observatory runs into trouble
AP News • • science
Key Points:
- Katalyst Space Technologies' Link satellite, tasked with rescuing NASA's aging Swift telescope, is experiencing thruster problems causing an uncontrollable spin and communication disruptions.
- The issue arose three weeks after Link's launch, hindering its mission to capture Swift and boost it to a higher orbit before Swift crashes back to Earth this fall.
- Swift, launched in 2004, is descending faster than expected due to recent solar activity and requires urgent assistance to continue its scientific observations of cosmic explosions.
- Despite the thruster malfunction, Katalyst and NASA remain hopeful, noting that Link’s other major systems are functioning properly and the mission is still considered viable.
- NASA is funding the $30 million rescue effort, which was rapidly organized within a year to extend Swift's operational life.
