NASA has launched an emergency mission using Katalyst Space Technologies' Link spacecraft to rescue the aging Swift Observatory from re-entry due to orbital decay caused by solar storms. The Link vehicle aims to intercept the propulsion-less Swift satellite and boost its orbit by approximately 150 miles to prevent it from burning up in Earth's atmosphere.
Background
The Swift Observatory, launched in 2004, monitors gamma-ray bursts but lacks the fuel to maintain its orbit against atmospheric drag. This incident highlights the growing challenge of space debris management and the need for active debris removal or satellite servicing technologies.
- Source
- The Verge
- Published
- Jul 5, 2026 at 03:06 AM
- Score
- 8.0 / 10