NASA aborts rescue mission for Swift telescope after spacecraft control issues
NASA and Flagstaff startup Katalyst Space Technologies have cancelled the attempt to retrieve the Swift observatory, leaving the satellite to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere later this year.
NASA announced on Wednesday that the planned rescue of its Swift space telescope has been called off after the commercial spacecraft, Link, encountered persistent control problems. The Flagstaff-based Katalyst Space Technologies had launched Link in early July to capture Swift and raise it to a higher, more stable orbit, but the vehicle entered an uncontrollable spin and continued to experience pointing and positioning difficulties.
"This is not the outcome we were working toward, but it does not change why this mission was worth attempting," NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said in a statement.
The Swift observatory, launched in 2004, has been tracking gamma-ray bursts and other cosmic events for more than two decades. After its science instruments were shut down earlier this year to slow its descent, the satellite now orbits at roughly 214 miles (345 km) and is expected to re-enter the atmosphere after October.
Katalyst, which received $30 million from NASA for the rescue effort, said it will keep operating Link near Swift to demonstrate capabilities for future missions. CEO Ghonhee Lee described the project as an ambitious, fast-tracked effort and noted that the team had gained valuable experience despite the setback.
The cancellation also affects plans to boost the Hubble Space Telescope, which was slated for a similar rescue if the Swift mission succeeded.