NASA's Swift telescope will plunge toward Earth after rescue mission called off

The ambitious mission to rescue NASA's Swift Observatory has been abandoned, meaning the venerable telescope will soon make a fiery descent back to Earth after more than two decades of observing the universe's most violent events. The decision comes after a specialized spacecraft, Link, operated by startup Katalyst Space Technologies, failed to execute its capture and orbital boost maneuver.

Katalyst announced Wednesday that Link would not attempt to save Swift due to persistent problems controlling the spacecraft. NASA had paid $30 million to Katalyst in an effort to raise Swift's orbit, extending its operational life. The telescope has been losing altitude faster than anticipated, primarily due to intense solar activity that heats Earth's upper atmosphere, increasing drag on the spacecraft. Swift, launched in 2004, lacks thrusters to counteract this downward pull.

The Link spacecraft experienced issues shortly after its launch in early July, including an uncontrollable spin. While flight controllers managed to stabilize the Link, problems with its pointing and positioning in orbit continued to plague the mission. "This is not the outcome we were working toward, but it does not change why this mission was worth attempting," NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman stated.

“

This is not the outcome we were working toward, but it does not change why this mission was worth attempting

Despite the failed rescue, Katalyst plans to continue operating the Link spacecraft in proximity to Swift to demonstrate capabilities for future orbital rescue operations. "We took on this high-risk, high-reward challenge and are proud of the milestones we reached along the way," said Katalyst CEO Ghonhee Lee. "We have already learned a tremendous amount."

Swift's science instruments were turned off earlier this year to slow its descent. Orbiting at approximately 216 miles high last week, the satellite is predicted to reach 186 miles by October. Designed for a two-year mission, Swift has far exceeded its expected lifespan, providing invaluable data on gamma-ray bursts, supernovae, and other high-energy cosmic phenomena.

“

We took on this high-risk, high-reward challenge and are proud of the milestones we reached along the way. We have already learned a tremendous amount.