NASA Swift rescue mission spins into trouble during commissioning - The Register
Katalyst Space's LINK spacecraft, designed to rescue NASA's Swift Observatory, is experiencing technical failures including broken reaction wheels and communication issues. The team is currently working to stabilize the craft's spin.
Why it matters
The failure of a rescue mission for a critical space observatory highlights the high risks and technical challenges inherent in modern space operations.
Two reaction wheels are out and comms sporadic as controllers work to stabilize LINK
Katalyst Space's LINK spacecraft is having some attitude problems on its way to rescue NASA's Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, resulting in a multi-axis spin and loss of communications.
LINK has three reaction wheels for attitude control, pointing, and stability, but the company said two are currently not operable. NASA reported some loss of functionality in its cold-gas thruster system as well.
LINK remains in contact with its controllers despite the sporadic communications, and its other major subsystems are operating as expected.
The problems began over the weekend, and the team is using LINK's electric propulsion thrusters to halt the spin. If it can restore a stable attitude, Katalyst will update the guidance, navigation, and control system for the spacecraft's new configuration before considering revised plans to approach and capture Swift.
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