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What Went Wrong With The LINK Rescue Spacecraft

The malfunction has disrupted communications and complicated plans to rendezvous with the aging telescope.

,   and  TIPP Staff
2 min read
Private mission to rescue NASA's aging telescope runs into its own trouble. Pic via(@WashTimes)

A private mission to extend the life of NASA's Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory has encountered a major setback after the LINK spacecraft began spinning uncontrollably in orbit, according to Katalyst Space Technologies.

The malfunction has disrupted communications and complicated plans to rendezvous with the aging telescope.

The report said Swift, launched in 2004, is losing altitude faster than expected because increased solar activity has intensified atmospheric drag. Without a successful orbit-raising mission, the telescope is expected to re-enter Earth's atmosphere later this year.

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Preliminary findings indicate that two of LINK's three reaction wheels have failed, while problems have also been detected in its cold gas thruster system. Flight controllers are using electric propulsion thrusters in an effort to stabilize the spacecraft.

Katalyst said the mission remains active and that LINK still has a viable path to reach Swift. NASA has committed $30 million to the rescue effort.

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NASA Plans Mission To Rescue Aging Swift Space Telescope
The Swift Observatory, launched in 2004 to study gamma-ray bursts and other high-energy cosmic events, remains an important scientific asset.
tippinsightsTIPP Staff

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