Rescue mission is called off for NASA’s aging Swift space telescope
Summary
NASA ended its effort to save the Swift space telescope after the rescue spacecraft, Link, had control problems. The telescope, which has studied cosmic explosions for over 20 years, will reenter Earth’s atmosphere and be destroyed later this year.Key Facts
- NASA hired Katalyst Space Technologies to send a rescue spacecraft called Link to boost the Swift telescope to a safer orbit.
- The Link spacecraft launched in early July but began spinning uncontrollably soon after.
- Despite efforts to control Link, it continued having problems with aiming and positioning in space.
- NASA stopped the rescue attempt and said Swift will fall back to Earth and burn up.
- Swift launched in 2004 and tracked phenomena like gamma ray bursts and exploding stars.
- NASA paid $30 million for the rescue mission to extend Swift’s orbital life.
- The mission was risky and done quickly, taking less than a year to prepare.
- The Link spacecraft will still fly near Swift to test future space rescue techniques.
- NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope, also losing altitude, might be the next candidate for an orbital boost rescue.
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