Rescue Mission Is Called Off For NASA's Aging Swift Space Telescope

NASA has decided to halt a $30 million rescue mission for its aging Swift space telescope, citing persistent control and positioning problems with Katalyst Space's Link spacecraft. The Associated Press explains that Katalyst informed NASA that the Link will not be used to capture Swift and boost it to a higher orbit due to control issues.

Consequently, the telescope will eventually descend through the atmosphere after more than two decades of observing cosmic events such as gamma ray bursts and exploding stars. The demise is not anticipated before October. NASA allocated $30 million to Katalyst in hopes of raising the telescope to a safer, longer-lasting orbit. However, intense solar activity led to the telescope losing altitude faster than anticipated.

The Link spacecraft experienced an uncontrollable spin a few weeks after its launch in early July. While flight controllers managed to stabilize Link's tumble, issues persisted regarding its pointing and positioning in orbit. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman expressed disappointment in a statement, stating that this outcome was not the desired result.

However, he emphasized that the mission was still worth attempting. As a consolation, Katalyst agreed to continue operating Link in proximity to the telescope to showcase capabilities for future rescue operations. Katalyst CEO Ghonhee Lee acknowledged the mission's challenge, stating that despite the high-risk nature, they were proud of the milestones achieved. Lee added that they have already gained significant knowledge.