The Link satellite, built by startup Katalyst Space Technologies, hit a major snag last week during its mission to rescue NASA’s $500 million Swift gamma-ray observatory. While in orbit, the refrigerator-sized craft began spinning out of control. This issue disabled two of its three reaction wheels and triggered an automatic power reset that further complicated the situation.
Engineers at the company's Denver-area control center acted quickly to stabilize the situation. They used the satellite's plasma engines to counteract the spin. By vectoring thrust from these engines, the team successfully reduced the rotation rate from 9 degrees per second to 4 degrees per second.
Work continues on a new software algorithm to manage the craft’s orientation using the remaining functioning hardware. Though the cause of the spin remains under investigation, the team believes they can still salvage the mission. The goal is to reach the Swift observatory by the end of August to perform an inspection and attempt a capture before the telescope de-orbits.
This mission is a high-stakes test of commercial satellite servicing. NASA contracted Katalyst for this work to extend the life of the aging observatory. Despite the recent mechanical failures, officials maintain that the capture is still a realistic outcome for the team. Efforts to fine-tune the spacecraft's control systems are ongoing as they prepare to move closer to the target.