A spacecraft tasked with saving a NASA telescope has encountered technical issues. Katalyst Space Technologies announced that its Link satellite is facing thruster problems, leading to an uncontrollable spin affecting communication. The issues arose three weeks after the robotic spacecraft launched.
The company is actively working to resolve these problems and regain control. Link’s mission is crucial to capture and raise the Swift telescope to a higher orbit. Without this intervention, Swift faces the risk of crashing to Earth this fall.
NASA has allocated $30 million for this urgent rescue operation, prepared in under a year. Swift, launched in 2004, requires immediate assistance due to its accelerated descent influenced by recent solar activity. Its role in observing gamma-ray bursts and exploded stars is currently paused.
Katalyst and NASA remain optimistic. All other major systems of Link are functioning correctly. In a statement, Katalyst affirmed its commitment to adjust and achieve a successful rendezvous with Swift.
The mission remains active, providing hope for a viable solution.
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