Rescue satellite gets close to NASA's doomed telescope, even if it can't save it
A private spacecraft that was supposed to supply a lifeline to NASA's Swift Observatory managed to get close to the sinking telescope and even snap photos more than a week after the rescue was abandoned.
On July 26, Katalyst Space Technologies' Link spacecraft made an attempt to rescue NASA's Swift Observatory by getting within 15 kilometers (nine miles) of the telescope. However, due to low fuel, the rescue mission was ultimately unsuccessful. Katalyst CEO Ghonhee Lee acknowledged the spacecraft's proximity to Swift but emphasized that they were "so far" from the goal.
The rescue operation had already been called off in August due to Link's own fuel issues, but the company pursued the mission for future satellite service calls. Despite the failed rescue, Link continued to collect valuable data on Swift and its deteriorating orbit. Katalyst is now developing a new spacecraft that could potentially extend the life of the aging Hubble Space Telescope.
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Also reported by 3 other outlets
- Quiz of the week: how much data will NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Telescope produce each day? physicsworld.com
- Rescue satellite gets close to NASA's doomed telescope, even if it can't save it abcnews.com
- Rescue satellite gets close to NASA’s doomed telescope, even if it can’t save it winnipegfreepress.com
