NASA is launching a $30 million rescue mission to save the aging Swift Observatory, which is at risk of falling to Earth due to declining orbit from recent solar activity. Scheduled to begin as early as this week, the operation involves a robotic spacecraft called Link, developed by Catalyst Space Technologies, which will elevate Swift to a higher and more stable orbit.
Since its launch in 2004, Swift has been instrumental in tracking cosmic events like gamma-ray bursts. If successful, Link will raise Swift’s orbit from 224 miles to 373 miles over a three-month period. NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope, also declining in altitude, may require a similar mission in the future.
Catalyst’s CEO, Ghonhee Lee, highlighted that this is the first American effort of its kind. The objective is to prove the feasibility of using robotics for satellite servicing. With Swift designed without consideration for repairs, the mission is challenging, and there are no guarantees of success.
NASA has temporarily halted Swift’s scientific operations to extend its operational lifespan, recognizing its unique capabilities in astronomy. The hope is to revive Swift as NASA’s “first responder” to astronomical phenomena while gearing up for future possibilities of robotic interventions in space.
Source link
