Drooid Logo
Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Katalyst’s Link Spacecraft Ends Swift Observatory Rescue

By Drooid · · How we work

3 1 Full Breakdown

1 of 1

Story summary
  • Katalyst Space Technologies' spacecraft Link reentered Earth’s atmosphere on Sept. 25, 2026, ending the Swift rescue.
  • The $30 million NASA-sponsored mission launched July 3, 2026 to lift Swift Observatory to a higher orbit.
  • Link lost two reaction wheels, spun after a valve failure, and insufficient fuel forced rescue abort in August.
  • Katalyst guided Link’s arms within 7-9 miles (12-15 km) of Swift and photographed the telescope.
  • CEO Ghonhee Lee said the mission’s lessons will support future satellite-recovery.