Here's how engineers plan to save the satellite sent to save NASA's Swift mission

Katalyst Space has revealed that issues with the LINK spacecraft have pushed back its rescue mission for NASA's Swift observatory to the end of August. Engineers have managed to reduce the spinning spacecraft's rotation rate from 9 degrees per second to approximately 4 degrees per second, with additional burns planned. Both Katalyst and NASA are currently developing a new attitude controller to adapt to the spacecraft's diminished capabilities.

The team is assessing which systems remain functional and testing their strategies in a simulator before implementing them on the orbiting vehicle. The mission involves LINK catching up to Swift, conducting a survey, grasping the observatory, and transporting it to a higher orbit. However, Katalyst officials have stated that their primary focus is on stabilizing LINK and restoring core system functionality.

The rescue attempt hinges on the success of these efforts. LINK was launched earlier this month, less than a year after NASA contracted Katalyst Space for the mission. The spacecraft experienced problems during commissioning and subsequently began spinning over the weekend. Recent reports indicate that two out of three reaction wheels, which are responsible for controlling LINK's orientation, are currently non-functional.

Despite this setback, Katalyst is working diligently to stabilize the vehicle using its electric propulsion thrusters. The clock is ticking, as Swift is projected to enter Earth's atmosphere within the coming months. The spacecraft has outlasted its intended mission and now faces the challenge of descending further. LINK's success could extend Swift's operational lifetime by several years.

Earlier predictions had anticipated Swift's re-entry by the summer of 2026; however, more recent projections suggest this could occur as early as November. With these constraints in mind, Katalyst must now concentrate on stabilizing LINK, obtaining NASA's approval for its adjusted plans, and reaching Swift before the observatory descends too low for a feasible rescue operation.