Link spacecraft returns to Earth after failing to rescue NASA telescope
Katalyst Space Technologies' Link robot re-entered Earth's atmosphere on Friday following a failed attempt to lift the orbit of the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory.
Mission objectives and launch details
The three-armed spacecraft launched on July 3 from Kwajalein Atoll in the South Pacific. Its goal was to extend the life of the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, which has operated for 22 years. The company based in Flagstaff, Arizona, secured a $30m NASA contract for this salvage operation in September 2024.
Technical failure and re-entry
Earlier problems with motion control and communications prevented Link from capturing the observatory as planned. The spacecraft approached within 7 to 9 miles of Swift but could not release it at a higher altitude. Katalyst Space Technologies announced that the vehicle had completed its 85-day orbit before plunging back to Earth.
Future fate of the telescope
Without the planned altitude lift, the Swift Observatory will descend on its own in the coming weeks. The satellite is expected to re-enter Earth's atmosphere in November. This marks the end of a collaboration between NASA and Penn State University that began in November 2004.
Reported by one outlet
Only one outlet has published this. Nothing here has been checked against a second report, so read it as that outlet's account and follow the link below for the original.
Reported by
1 independent outlet. Headline as published. Links open the original report.