NASA's Swift rescue mission delayed as LINK satellite spins out of control

The Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, launched in 2004, is losing altitude due to atmospheric drag and is projected to re‑enter Earth’s atmosphere this fall unless its orbit is raised. NASA contracted Arizona‑based Katalyst Space Technologies to build a rescue satellite, LINK, which was launched on 3 July aboard a Northrop Grumman Pegasus XL rocket released from the Stargazer aircraft. LINK was designed to rendezvous with Swift, capture it with robotic arms and boost it to a higher orbit.

Around 25 July the rescue satellite entered an uncontrolled multi‑axis spin, causing a temporary loss of communications. Katalyst and NASA later reported that the spin is largely under control, but the delay means it is uncertain whether LINK will reach Swift in time to prevent re‑entry. Engineers are working to stabilise LINK and resume the orbital‑boost maneuver. NASA astrophysics division director Shawn Domagal‑Goldman said the effort is “amazing” but acknowledges the remaining risks.