Mission to save NASA spacecraft runs into trouble in orbit
The $30 million rescue mission launched on July 3 after increased solar activity caused Swift’s orbit to decay faster than expected.
This month of August will feature two eclipses and one of the best meteor showers of the year with the Perseids. A total solar eclipse will darken the sky over Spain, Portugal, Iceland and Greenland.
A first-of-its-kind mission to rescue a NASA space telescope has encountered a major setback after the spacecraft sent to save it began spinning in orbit.
Katalyst Space Technologies’ LINK spacecraft experienced attitude-control problems over the weekend, causing it to spin and communicate intermittently with ground controllers, NASA said in a blog post Tuesday.
A preliminary investigation found that two of LINK’s three reaction wheels are not operating. The wheels help control the spacecraft’s orientation without using fuel. LINK also lost some functionality in its cold-gas thruster system.
A solar panel extends from the side of Katalyst Space’s LINK robotic servicing spacecraft in orbit in this image captured by one of LINK’s cameras July 9, 2026. LINK will use the array to power systems as it attempts to boost the altitude of NASA’s Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory this summer. (Image credit: Katalyst Space)
The spacecraft remains powered and is communicating with the Katalyst team, while its other major systems are functioning as expected.
"The team is working to stop LINK’s spin over the next few days, using the spacecraft’s electric propulsion thrusters," NASA said.
Once the spacecraft is stabilized, teams will determine whether its guidance, navigation and control systems can be updated to operate with the remaining equipment.
NASA and Katalyst will then decide whether LINK can safely approach and capture the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory.
NASA launched the $30 million rescue mission July 3 after increased solar activity caused Swift’s orbit to decay faster than expected. Solar storms can heat and expand Earth’s upper atmosphere, increasing drag on spacecraft in low Earth orbit. Swift does not have its own propulsion system to raise its altitude.
The observatory launched in 2004 and has helped scientists study gamma-ray bursts, black holes and other violent events in the universe. NASA paused Swift’s scientific observations earlier this year to preserve the spacecraft while awaiting LINK’s arrival.
LINK was designed to capture Swift with robotic arms and boost it into a higher orbit, potentially extending the observatory’s life by several years.
Katalyst and NASA have not abandoned the attempt, but any revised rescue plan will depend on LINK’s condition and whether teams determine that approaching Swift can be done safely.
Report a Typo
