NASA and Katalyst Space are collaborating on a mission to rescue the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory from a premature demise as it hurtles towards Earth. Originally expected to operate until 2030, the observatory is now on track to burn up in the Earth’s atmosphere by the end of the year. In response, a robotic spacecraft is being designed to push the Swift back into a higher orbit, potentially extending its lifespan by several decades.
Brad Cenko, the principal investigator of Swift, highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting that the typical timeline for such a mission would span decades. However, due to the imminent threat to Swift, the plan was devised in just over a year.
The acceleration of Swift towards Earth was discovered in early 2025, attributed to an unexpected surge in solar activity. This same increase in solar activity has led to heightened visibility of phenomena like the Northern Lights. The Swift observatory, launched in 2004, has experienced a significant decrease in altitude from its original position of 600 kilometers above sea level to approximately 360 kilometers.
To address this critical situation, NASA enlisted Katalyst to construct a robotic spacecraft named LINK capable of interacting with Swift. LINK will be deployed from the Pegasus XL rocket mounted on the Stargazer aircraft, which is set to launch from Kwajalein Atoll this month. The plan involves the robotic arms of LINK grabbing onto Swift and providing the necessary push to alter its trajectory.
If successful, this mission will be a significant advancement in the field of in-space servicing, as highlighted by Mason Peck, a professor at Cornell University. The operation aims to extend the life of existing space assets, reduce costs, and establish sustainable practices for operating in Earth’s orbit. Despite the risks involved, the mission represents a valuable opportunity for innovation and learning in space technology.
