Katalyst Space Technologies Launches Space Tug to Save NASA's Swift Observatory
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- leaderobot.com
Katalyst Space Technologies, a startup based in Arizona, has developed a space tug named LINK to rescue NASA's Swift Observatory, which is at risk of re-entering the atmosphere. Launched on July 3 aboard a Northrop Grumman Pegasus XL rocket, LINK aims to prevent the $500 million satellite from burning up in October due to accelerated orbital decay caused by solar activity.
The Swift Observatory has been a vital asset for NASA since its launch in 2004, providing rapid responses to astronomical events. However, its orbit has deteriorated from approximately 600 kilometers to about 360 kilometers. Katalyst was awarded a $30 million contract in September 2025 to design and launch LINK within ten months, compressing a typical two to three-year testing cycle into weeks.
The mission's success could demonstrate that commercial spacecraft can capture government satellites without designated docking interfaces, which is crucial for future missions, including potential interventions for the Hubble Space Telescope. As space becomes increasingly congested with debris, the ability to repair satellites rather than discard them is becoming essential.
Original report
Startup Develops Space Tug to Rescue NASA Telescope Before It Falls
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