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NASA Updates Next Steps for Commercial Swift Boost Mission
NASA and Katalyst Space announced that an attitude control issue prevents the LINK spacecraft from boosting the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory's altitude. The mission now focuses on demonstrating rendezvous and proximity operations for future satellite servicing.
Why it matters
Because the boost is impossible, the Swift observatory will likely re-enter Earth's atmosphere later this year. The project still advances U.S. commercial capabilities for maintaining satellites in orbit.
The details
- Swift launched in 2004 to study gamma-ray bursts and other cosmic events.
- LINK spacecraft launched July 3 from Kwajalein Atoll on a Pegasus XL rocket.
- NASA awarded the servicing contract to Katalyst in September 2025.
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Key connections
Katalyst Space owns LINK
Katalyst Space developed and operates the LINK spacecraft.
Northrop Grumman owns Pegasus XL
Northrop Grumman manufactures the Pegasus XL launch vehicle.
Shawn Domagal-Goldman works at NASA
Shawn Domagal-Goldman is the director of the Astrophysics Division at NASA Headquarters.
Katalyst Space is a partner of NASA
Katalyst Space was awarded a contract by NASA for the Swift satellite servicing mission.
LINK is related to Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory
LINK is attempting rendezvous and proximity operations with the Swift Observatory.
Pegasus XL is related to LINK
LINK launched on a Pegasus XL rocket.
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Satellite Servicing is related to LINK
LINK was developed to advance in-space satellite servicing capabilities.
Rendezvous and Proximity Operations is related to LINK
LINK will attempt rendezvous and proximity operations with Swift.
Katalyst Space is located in United States
Katalyst Space is an American commercial aerospace company.
Northrop Grumman is located in United States
Northrop Grumman is headquartered and operates in the United States.
Related events
NASA and Katalyst Space Pivot LINK Mission to Rendezvous Demonstration
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