Swift observatory rescue mission spun out of control. What’s next

Key Points:

• NASA's Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, a key astrophysics satellite in low-Earth orbit for nearly 22 years, faces reentry this fall due to increased atmospheric drag intensified by solar activity.
• Arizona-based Katalyst Space Technologies launched the LINK spacecraft on July 3 to rendezvous with and boost Swift's orbit, aiming to extend its operational life.
• LINK experienced a multi-axis spin starting around July 25, causing temporary communication loss and delays; two of its three reaction wheels are inoperable, and there are issues with its thruster system.
• The mission team has reduced LINK's spin rate significantly and is preparing a software update to restore orientation and proceed with the complex rendezvous and boosting maneuvers.
• Despite the challenges and delays, NASA and Katalyst remain cautiously optimistic about the mission's success, which could resume Swift's scientific observations this fall and avoid the cost of replacing the unique observatory.