Katalyst's satellite rescue mission pursues NASA's Swift

Katalyst Space Technologies has initiated an unprecedented mission to rescue NASA's Swift satellite, which is in danger of deorbiting. The launch took place over the Pacific Ocean.

The endeavor is the first of its kind, responding to NASA's call for commercial companies to rapidly develop a solution for boosting Swift's altitude. NASA awarded Katalyst a contract last September, and the company successfully built and launched its nearly half-ton 'Link' satellite in under a year.

Developing and deploying a satellite of this scale in less than twelve months represents a significant achievement in the space industry, where such timelines typically span several years.

Extending Swift's operational life will allow for continued astronomical observations.