NASA is preparing a $30 million rescue mission to prevent its Swift Observatory from re-entering Earth's atmosphere. The operation, which could launch as soon as Tuesday, involves a robotic spacecraft from startup Katalyst Space Technologies designed to boost Swift into a more stable orbit.

Swift, launched in 2004, has been descending faster due to increased solar activity. To survive, it needs to reach a higher orbit. Katalyst's three-armed spacecraft, named Link, will rendezvous with Swift, capture it, and propel it from its current altitude of 224 miles (360 kilometers) to a target of 373 miles (600 kilometers). The observatory must remain above 185 miles (300 kilometers) to be saved, with current estimates suggesting it will reach this critical point of no return in October.

The 1.6-ton Swift observatory was not designed for repairs or retrieval. Link, roughly the size of a small refrigerator, is equipped with three arms featuring grippers resembling Lego mini-figure hands. The mission is challenging, and success is not guaranteed, according to Katalyst officials.

NASA contracted Katalyst last September for the urgent mission, emphasizing the need to avoid making the situation worse. The agency has already taken steps to slow Swift's descent by deactivating its scientific instruments, with observations ceasing in February.

Losing Swift would mean losing a significant scientific capability, as NASA does not currently have the budget to build a replacement. Swift's primary function is to quickly pivot and capture transient astronomical events like gamma-ray bursts and exploding stars, earning it the nickname "NASA's first responder."

Katalyst views this mission as a stepping stone for a future in-space servicing industry. The company plans to deploy an advanced robotic rescuer next year capable of servicing satellites at much higher altitudes, potentially refueling them, repairing them, and assisting in the construction of orbital infrastructure.

NASA's Hubble Space Telescope, also at risk of re-entry due to similar orbital decay, could potentially be serviced by Katalyst's technology in the future. Hubble, a 36-year-old observatory that previously received astronaut servicing, might receive a life-extending boost in 2028. This rescue attempt marks the first time an American space robot will attempt such a maneuver, following a similar mission by China four years ago.