Story perspectives

NASA Cancels Swift Rescue Mission After LINK Spin Issues

8/21/2026

Summary

Story summary

NASA and Katalyst Space canceled the Swift rescue mission after LINK’s attitude-control problems persisted.
NASA paid Katalyst a $30 million contract to lift the $500 million Swift Observatory.
LINK launched on July 3 aboard a Pegasus XL rocket from Kwajalein Atoll to rendezvous with Swift.
Weeks later LINK began uncontrolled spinning, with software updates only slowing the tumble.
NASA expects Swift to re-enter in 2026 while keeping LINK nearby to demonstrate rendezvous capability.

History

Historical Context

NASA’s first Hubble servicing mission launched Endeavour in December 1993, where five astronauts performed five EVAs to install COSTAR, new gyroscopes and solar arrays, proving costly on-orbit repairs could restore the telescope’s vision. That success shaped later strategies, such as the 2024 Swift rescue plan with Katalyst Space and its LINK vehicle, which aims to extend satellite lifespans using similar rendezvous techniques.

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Story summary

NASA and Katalyst Space canceled the Swift rescue mission after LINK’s attitude-control problems persisted.
NASA paid Katalyst a $30 million contract to lift the $500 million Swift Observatory.
LINK launched on July 3 aboard a Pegasus XL rocket from Kwajalein Atoll to rendezvous with Swift.
Weeks later LINK began uncontrolled spinning, with software updates only slowing the tumble.
NASA expects Swift to re-enter in 2026 while keeping LINK nearby to demonstrate rendezvous capability.

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