Private mission to rescue NASA’s aging telescope runs into its own trouble - AP News
A private mission by Katalyst Space Technologies to rescue NASA's aging Swift telescope has encountered technical difficulties. The rescue satellite, Link, is spinning uncontrollably, though engineers are working to restore communication and complete the mission.
Why it matters
The Swift telescope is a critical scientific instrument for observing gamma-ray bursts, and its potential loss would hinder ongoing astronomical research.
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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — The spacecraft rushing to the rescue of an aging and sinking NASA telescope has run into its own problem.
Katalyst Space Technologies said Tuesday that its Link satellite is experiencing thruster problems and has gone into an uncontrollable spin that is disrupting communication.
The trouble struck over the weekend, three weeks after the three-armed robotic spacecraft blasted into orbit .
The startup company said it’s working nonstop to get Link back in action so it can capture Swift and boost the telescope to a higher orbit. Swift will crash back to Earth this fall without help. NASA is paying $30 million for the rescue effort, which was thrown together in under a year.
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