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NASA Awards $30M to Secure Swift Observatory's Future

9/25/2025

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Summary

Story summary

NASA awards Katalyst Space Technologies a $30 million contract to boost the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory's orbit.
The mission uses Katalyst's modified "Link" spacecraft, launching May 2026 to secure Swift.
Swift has operated since 2004; orbital decay from atmospheric drag makes re-entry 90% likely by 2026 without intervention.
The Pentagon weighs implications for space superiority amid U.S.-China rivalry.

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Story summary

NASA awards Katalyst Space Technologies a $30 million contract to boost the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory's orbit.
The mission uses Katalyst's modified "Link" spacecraft, launching May 2026 to secure Swift.
Swift has operated since 2004; orbital decay from atmospheric drag makes re-entry 90% likely by 2026 without intervention.
The Pentagon weighs implications for space superiority amid U.S.-China rivalry.