Engineers Plan Rescue for Satellite Sent to Save NASA's Swift Mission
Katalyst Space Technologies' Link satellite began uncontrolled spinning en route to rescue NASA's Swift observatory, complicating efforts to stabilize the craft.
The Link satellite, operated by Katalyst Space Technologies, began spinning uncontrollably approximately 320 kilometers above Earth last week. The satellite was on a mission to rescue NASA's $500 million Swift gamma-ray observatory, whose orbit is decaying.
The uncontrolled rotation has hindered reliable communication with ground control and complicated efforts to regain stability. Two of the satellite's three reaction wheels, used for pointing, have also ceased functioning. Engineers identified issues with the spacecraft's cold gas thrusters, which are crucial for fine attitude control.
Link is owned and operated by Katalyst Space Technologies, a startup specializing in satellite servicing. NASA awarded the company a $30 million contract to perform the rescue, which involves docking with the Swift observatory and boosting its orbit before atmospheric drag causes it to burn up.
Engineers are currently developing a strategy to arrest the spin and stabilize the Link satellite, aiming to proceed with the original mission objectives.