AI Generated Image
Spacecraft sent on rescue mission now spinning out of control
Boing Boing • • science
Key Points:
- NASA's Katalyst LINK spacecraft, launched to boost the Swift Observatory into a stable orbit, experienced multiple failures including attitude control issues causing it to spin uncontrollably.
- Two of LINK's three reaction wheels failed, impairing its ability to make precise movements without fuel, and its cold gas thruster system is also malfunctioning, complicating maneuvering and communications.
- The Swift Observatory previously had a reaction wheel failure in 2022 but remained operational due to redundant wheels; however, LINK lacks such redundancy, increasing mission risk.
- The Katalyst team is actively working to stabilize LINK and remains confident in regaining control to complete the mission, which is critical to prevent Swift's orbit from decaying and the satellite from falling to Earth.
- Failure of the rescue mission would result in the loss of the Swift Observatory, representing a significant and costly setback for scientific research.
