A NASA-funded robot spacecraft, named LINK, has been launched on a mission to rescue the Swift space telescope, which is gradually falling out of its orbit and at risk of burning up in Earth's atmosphere. The LINK spacecraft, approximately the size of a refrigerator, is equipped with three arms, cameras, and guidance systems, powered by small thrusters.
Launched on Friday, LINK will spend the next few weeks activating its various systems, including power, navigation, and its suite of cameras and sensors, ensuring each component survived the launch. Although the Pegasus XL rocket delivered LINK close to Swift's orbital path, the robot must still navigate the changing altitude of the observatory. LINK is designed to rendezvous with its target over a period of three to four weeks after launch.
Once aligned, LINK will carefully circle the Swift telescope, capturing detailed photographs from multiple angles. Engineers have identified potential docking points, but the Swift telescope, after twenty years in orbit, may have changed from its original configuration. The Swift telescope was not originally designed to be captured and have its orbit altered, necessitating a slow and cautious approach by the rescue craft.
The critical phase of the mission will involve LINK's three arms attaching to the telescope. If successful, LINK will then gently maneuver Swift back into a stable, higher orbit. This will be a gradual process, with LINK using its thrusters to slowly raise the telescope's altitude over two to three months, from its current approximately 220 miles (360 km) to Swift's former orbit of 373 miles (600 km) above Earth.
This mission represents an ambitious and unprecedented effort in space salvage. The success of the LINK mission could pave the way for future rescue operations, potentially including the iconic Hubble Space Telescope.