Rescuing satellites is harder than it looks. A growing space junk problem will make doing so more important
A robotic spacecraft named LINK has launched on a mission to rescue NASA's Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, which is losing orbit. The mission highlights the growing challenge of managing space debris and the increasing necessity of satellite servicing technology.
Why it matters
As orbital congestion increases, the ability to repair or move satellites is becoming critical to preventing collisions and maintaining essential space infrastructure.
by Wanjiku Chebet Kanjumba, The Conversation
edited by Lisa Lock , reviewed by Andrew Zinin
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:
Add as preferred source Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain A commercial robotic spacecraft called LINK launched on an emergency mission to save NASA's Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory , which has been slowly falling toward Earth, on July 3, 2026. Over the coming weeks, LINK, built by Katalyst Space Technologies , will try to grasp the telescope, then spend months raising it to a safer orbit.
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