Mission to rescue space telescope may be in jeopardy

NASA’s attempt to save the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory faces a significant challenge after the robotic rescue craft, known as LINK, encountered major technical malfunctions. The mission, designed to boost the aging satellite into a higher orbit, has been hampered by a multi-axis spin. This movement began after a power failure disabled two of the three reaction wheels responsible for controlling the craft’s orientation.

Katalyst Space, the developer of the rescue craft, confirmed that the issue also affected the cold gas thruster system, which is essential for the docking procedure. Without stable orientation, the spacecraft cannot perform the maneuvers required to capture the telescope. Engineers are now attempting to stabilize LINK by using gimbaled electric propulsion thrusters to halt the spin.

If the team stops the rotation, they intend to upload updated guidance and navigation software to work around the current hardware failures. NASA and Katalyst officials state that the mission remains active, but they are evaluating the feasibility of the operation in real time. The window for success is closing, as the Swift observatory is losing altitude due to atmospheric drag caused by current space weather conditions.

Time is a critical factor for this $30 million project. The Swift telescope has been in orbit since 2004, far exceeding its original two-year mission life. If the rescue craft fails to reach the telescope before it drops too low in its orbit, the observatory will reenter the atmosphere and break apart by the end of this year. NASA is monitoring the situation closely to determine if the mission can proceed safely.