NASA has launched a $30 million robotic mission, the Link spacecraft, to rescue its aging Swift Observatory from burning up in Earth's atmosphere. Built by Katalyst Space Technologies and launched by Northrop Grumman, the mission aims to capture and re-orbit the telescope, potentially extending its life and setting a precedent for satellite servicing.
A mission to rescue NASA's aging Swift Observatory, which is sinking towards Earth due to solar storms, has been launched. A three-armed spacecraft named Link, developed by Katalyst Space Technologies, will attempt to capture and boost the telescope's orbit.
NASA is launching an emergency mission to boost the orbit of its 20-year-old Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, which is falling out of orbit. The mission, costing $30 million, involves a robotic spacecraft named LINK launched from an airplane via a Pegasus XL rocket, aiming to save the telescope for continued scientific research.
Nasa is launching a robotic rescue mission with Arizona-based Katalyst Space to save its Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, which is rapidly losing altitude due to increased solar activity. The LINK spacecraft will attempt to dock with and raise Swift's orbit, potentially extending its life by a decade.
