NASA is launching a $30 million rescue mission this week to prevent the Swift Observatory from falling back to Earth. The aging telescope, launched in 2004, has been sinking due to increased solar activity. NASA has hired Katalyst Space Technologies to deploy an autonomous spacecraft named Link, which will attempt to lift Swift to a higher, more stable orbit. The mission, set to launch as early as Tuesday from the Pacific's Marshall Islands, is the first of its kind for the U.S. and could set a precedent for future satellite rescues.
Swift's Critical Condition
The Swift Observatory, which studies gamma-ray bursts, must remain above 185 miles to avoid re-entering Earth's atmosphere. Currently at 224 miles, it is expected to reach the critical point of no return in October. The rescue mission involves a three-armed spacecraft with claw-like grips designed to latch onto Swift. The operation will take about a month to rendezvous with the telescope and another two months to raise its orbit to the desired 373 miles.
Hubble at Risk
NASA's Hubble Space Telescope is also at risk of falling due to similar solar activity. Katalyst Space CEO Ghonhee Lee stated that a next-generation robot, still in development, could potentially save Hubble in a few years. Only China has previously attempted a similar mission, successfully boosting a satellite into a higher graveyard orbit four years ago.
Mission Challenges
The rescue mission faces significant challenges, as Swift was not designed for repair or recovery. NASA's science mission chief, Nicky Fox, emphasized the importance of the mission, stating that losing Swift would result in a significant loss of scientific capability. The agency currently lacks the budget to build a replacement. If successful, the mission could pave the way for future satellite servicing and extend the life of other aging observatories.