NASA Swift Observatory rescue mission fails

A $30 million commercial rescue mission to save NASA’s Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory has failed. The mission utilized the LINK robotic spacecraft, developed by Katalyst Space Technologies, which was designed to intercept the aging telescope, grapple it, and boost its decaying orbit.

Following its launch in July, the LINK spacecraft experienced significant technical difficulties, including electrical failures that disabled two of its three reaction wheels. These issues caused the craft to enter an uncontrolled spin and consumed critical propellant during stabilization efforts. Consequently, NASA and Katalyst abandoned the attempt to physically capture the observatory, pivoting instead to a technological demonstration of proximity.

The LINK spacecraft re-entered Earth's atmosphere and burned up on September 25. Without a successful orbital boost, the Swift Observatory—which has been studying gamma-ray bursts and black holes since 2004—is expected to continue its descent. NASA estimates the telescope could re-enter the atmosphere and disintegrate by the end of the year.