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Katalyst Space Recovers Link Spacecraft Spin

August 10, 2026

2 min read

Key Takeaways

Katalyst Space reduces Link spacecraft spin from 9 to 1.47 deg/s.
Less than 100g of fuel used for spin reduction.
Software update planned before late-August Swift grapple attempt.

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Strategic Implications

Katalyst Space's successful spin reduction may indicate a significant step towards on-orbit servicing capabilities, which could have implications for the satellite industry's approach to mission extension and debris removal. The planned software update suggests a focus on restoring full attitude control, which could be crucial for the upcoming Swift grapple attempt.

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What Happened

Swift Rescue Mission On Track After Successful Spin Reduction

Katalyst Space Technologies has successfully reduced the spin rate of its Link servicing spacecraft from 9 degrees per second to 1.47 degrees per second using one of its electric thrusters, burning less than 100 grams of fuel. The company plans to upload a flight software update in the coming days to restore full attitude control in the spacecraft’s current configuration. If recovery succeeds, Link will attempt to reach NASA’s Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory in late August, a few weeks behind the original schedule, as reported by SpaceNews.

Source | Originally Published: August 10, 2026

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