What Happened
Arizona-Based Katalyst Space Technologies Attempts Daring Mission
An Arizona-based startup, Katalyst Space Technologies, is undertaking a daring mission to save NASA’s Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, a crucial telescope for studying gamma-ray bursts, from burning up in Earth’s atmosphere due to atmospheric drag and solar activity. Katalyst’s LINK spacecraft, developed in just 250 days, will attempt to rendezvous, capture, and reboost Swift to a safer orbit. The mission, launching via Pegasus XL, is a race against time, with Swift expected to de-orbit by October. Success would validate robotic satellite servicing, offering a future where valuable spacecraft can be rescued and extended. This story was first reported by Forbes.