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Swift Observatory Articles | Developments Today

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

Swift rescue mission survives satellite scare as recovery effort continues

Katalyst’s Link spacecraft spun out of control while pursuing NASA’s Swift observatory.
Two of Link’s three reaction wheels stopped working, and engineers traced trouble to some cold gas thrusters.
The company is using surviving propulsion and other healthy systems in an effort to stabilize the vehicle.
The mission is a major test case for commercial on-orbit satellite servicing under NASA contract.

DE

DT Editorial Team·Aug 2, 2026·via arstechnica.com

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An artist's impression of a superluminous supernova and an associated gamma-ray burst being driven by a rapidly spinning neutron star. Credit: CfA

Fast-response radio system captures a gamma-ray burst within minutes

The SMA responded to a Swift gamma-ray burst alert on January 26, 2026.
The observatory was on target within 13 minutes and produced near-real-time images.
The system could expand early-time millimeter studies of powerful transient events.

DE

DT Editorial Team·Jul 19, 2026·via universetoday.com

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A Vintage, Last-of-Its-Kind Aircraft Will Launch NASA's Swift Rescue Mission

NASA’s Swift rescue plan will rely on the last flying L-1011

NASA plans a June 27 mission to raise the orbit of the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory.
The launch will use Pegasus XL carried by Stargazer, the last operational Lockheed L-1011.
The mission also tests the case for in-orbit servicing as a way to extend spacecraft lifetimes.

DE

DT Editorial Team·Jun 19, 2026·via gizmodo.com

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NASA’s Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, shown in this artist’s concept, orbits Earth as it studies the ever-changing universe. (via nasa.gov)

NASA and Katalyst Space to Boost Swift Observatory's Orbit, Extending Its Science Mission

NASA will host a media teleconference on June 17 to preview the Katalyst Space mission to boost the orbit of the Swift Observatory.
The LINK robotic spacecraft will rendezvous with Swift and raise its altitude, extending its science mission lifespan.
LINK will launch on a Northrop Grumman Pegasus XL rocket from Kwajalein Atoll later in June.
The mission demonstrates in-orbit servicing capabilities for future space exploration.

DE

DT Editorial Team·Jun 11, 2026·via nasa.gov

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Hubble Could Get a New Lease on Life—If NASA Can Afford It

NASA Weighs Hubble Reboost Mission, But Cost Remains Key Hurdle

Hubble is predicted to reenter Earth's atmosphere by 2033 due to orbital decay.
NASA is considering a reboost mission to extend Hubble's life, but only if operating costs can be reduced.
A similar rescue mission for the Swift telescope is underway, demonstrating lower-cost reboost technology.
NASA's astrophysics division director emphasized the need to lower Hubble's operational costs before committing to a reboost.

DE

DT Editorial Team·Jun 8, 2026·via gizmodo.com

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Staff in white lab coats observe a black and gray spacecraft in a room with warm, yellow light.

NASA Backs Robotic Mission to Raise Swift Telescope’s Orbit and Extend Its Life

NASA plans a late-June mission to raise the orbit of the Swift Observatory.
Katalyst’s LINK spacecraft will attempt a robotic rendezvous with Swift.
Swift has operated since 2004 and studies gamma-ray bursts and other high-energy events.
The mission could become a notable demonstration of on-orbit servicing.

DE

DT Editorial Team·May 22, 2026·via nasa.gov

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NASA’s Swift Rescue Mission Clears Testing as Orbital Servicing Faces a Live Deadline

NASA’s Swift Rescue Mission Clears Testing as Orbital Servicing Faces a Live Deadline

Katalyst’s Link spacecraft completed environmental testing at NASA Goddard.
The mission aims to dock with and boost the Swift Observatory to a higher orbit.
Swift could reenter in late 2026 without intervention due to accelerated orbital decay.
The effort is an important real-world test of commercial orbital servicing.

DE

DT Editorial Team·May 9, 2026·via spaceflightnow.com

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Swift reboost mission completes environmental tests

NASA’s Swift Rescue Mission Clears Environmental Testing Ahead of a Narrow Launch Window

Katalyst Space’s Link spacecraft completed vibration and thermal vacuum testing at NASA Goddard.
The spacecraft is targeting a June launch on a Northrop Grumman Pegasus XL rocket.
The mission aims to raise the orbit of the Swift observatory before decay makes rescue infeasible.

DE

DT Editorial Team·May 9, 2026·via spacenews.com

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