NASA launches rescue mission to lift Swift space telescope into higher orbit

NASA and its contractor Katalyst Space Technologies have begun a service mission to raise the orbit of the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, which has been losing altitude since its 2004 launch. Over the past year the satellite has dropped about 40 km, putting it at risk of premature atmospheric re‑entry.

The rescue spacecraft will perform a rendez‑vous and docking maneuver, then push Swift into a higher, more stable orbit, extending its operational life. The mission is overseen by NASA’s director of astrophysics Shawn Domagal‑Goldman and involves international partners from Italy and the United Kingdom.

Swift continues to monitor gamma‑ray bursts and other high‑energy astrophysical events, providing critical data for solar‑flare forecasts and related research. The successful boost would demonstrate a new capability for on‑orbit satellite servicing.