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NASA's Swift Mission Set for 2026 Launch with Private Rocket

11/20/2025

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Summary

Story summary

NASA's Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory will use Northrop Grumman's Pegasus XL rocket to boost its orbit.
Katalyst Space Technologies received a $30 million contract to plan the mission for a June 2026 launch.
The Pegasus XL has not flown since 2021 and was chosen for Swift's low-inclination orbit.
The mission would mark the first capture of a U.S. government satellite by a private spacecraft and could enable future servicing missions.

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Story summary

NASA's Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory will use Northrop Grumman's Pegasus XL rocket to boost its orbit.
Katalyst Space Technologies received a $30 million contract to plan the mission for a June 2026 launch.
The Pegasus XL has not flown since 2021 and was chosen for Swift's low-inclination orbit.
The mission would mark the first capture of a U.S. government satellite by a private spacecraft and could enable future servicing missions.