NASA has a bold plan to save Swift Observatory from destruction

5 hours ago

NASA's Swift Observatory is at risk of falling out of orbit due to increased solar storms.
A rescue mission, launching a commercial robotic spacecraft named LINK by Katalyst Space, aims to boost the telescope's orbit.
This is the first attempt to service a satellite not designed for in-space capture.
If successful, the mission will extend the observatory's life and test new capabilities for future missions.
The launch, using Northrop Grumman's Pegasus XL rocket, was postponed due to an issue; a new date is pending.
Swift studies gamma-ray bursts and has operated since 2004, but lacks propulsion to counter atmospheric drag.
Without intervention, Swift has a high chance of uncontrolled reentry by 2026.

Hasty Briefsbeta