Rescue satellite gets close to NASA’s doomed telescope, even if it can’t save it
Summary
A private spacecraft called Link tried to rescue NASA’s Swift space telescope but had to stop because it ran low on fuel. Link came close to the telescope and took photos, but it couldn’t move Swift to a higher orbit to extend its life.Key Facts
- Link is a robotic spacecraft developed by Katalyst Space Technologies to service satellites.
- Link got within about 15 kilometers (9 miles) of the Swift Observatory before stopping.
- The rescue mission was rushed and lasted about nine months, causing technical problems.
- Link went into an uncontrollable spin soon after launch but was stabilized using fuel.
- Fuel ran out before Link could boost Swift to a longer-lasting orbit.
- NASA paid Katalyst $30 million for the rescue attempt.
- Swift was launched in 2004 and is expected to fall back to Earth between October and the end of the year.
- NASA aims to extend spacecraft life by refueling, as designed for the upcoming Roman Space Telescope.
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