NASA Attempts Daring Rescue of Aging Swift Telescope

NASA is undertaking a novel rescue mission to save the aging Swift Observatory, an orbiting telescope launched in 2004, from falling back to Earth. The operation, which begins as soon as this week, involves a robotic spacecraft designed to boost Swift into a higher, more stable orbit.

The $30 million mission utilizes startup Katalyst Space Technologies and its three-armed spacecraft, named Link, to perform the orbital boost. Link will launch aboard a Pegasus rocket from an airplane-based platform in the Marshall Islands. The mission's success hinges on Link rendezvousing with Swift, capturing it, and then propelling it to an altitude of 373 miles (600 kilometers) from its current 224 miles (360 kilometers).

Swift has been sinking faster due to intense solar activity, and it must remain above 185 miles (300 kilometers) for the rescue to be feasible. Swift is projected to reach this critical altitude in October. If the mission is successful, Swift could resume its scientific operations by September.

This endeavor marks a significant development in space servicing. While China has previously boosted a satellite to a higher orbit, this is described as the first American robotic mission of its kind. Katalyst CEO Ghonhee Lee stated that the mission aims to prove the viability of a new playbook for servicing aging orbital assets.

The Swift Observatory, roughly the size of a small refrigerator, was not originally designed for repair or retrieval. The challenge lies in grasping and maneuvering the 1.6-ton observatory. NASA contracted Katalyst last September, emphasizing the need for a rapid mission without causing further damage.

NASA's astrophysics director, Shawn Domagal-Goldman, acknowledged the initial skepticism surrounding the mission's feasibility. NASA has already taken steps to conserve Swift's remaining orbital energy by deactivating its scientific instruments in February. According to Nicky Fox, NASA's science mission chief, saving Swift is crucial as the agency lacks the budget to build a replacement.

Swift is a gamma-ray observatory known for its ability to quickly pivot and capture transient astronomical events like gamma-ray bursts and exploding stars. If saved, it is expected to complement upcoming telescopes like the James Webb Space Telescope and the Roman Space Telescope, serving as NASA's "first responder" for cosmic events.

Beyond Swift, Katalyst envisions a future of in-space servicing, including repairs, refueling, and even constructing orbital infrastructure. The company plans to launch a more advanced robot next year capable of servicing satellites at much higher altitudes. Additionally, NASA's Hubble Space Telescope, also losing altitude, could potentially be serviced by Katalyst in 2028, a prospect that has generated significant public interest.