NASA launches robotic rescue mission to save Swift telescope from crashing to Earth
By
Pallab Ghosh
Summary
A Nasa-funded spacecraft called LINK has been launched to rescue the Swift observatory, a space telescope that detects powerful cosmic explosions but is at risk of crashing back to Earth. The LINK craft will attempt an unprecedented mid-orbit interception using three robotic arms to grab Swift and lift it back to a safe orbit. The mission, launched on Friday, represents a first-of-its-kind robotic rescue operation in space.
Source
bskyNASA launches robotic rescue mission to save Swift telescope from crashing to Earthbbc.comKey quotes
· 3 pulledThe Swift observatory detects some of the most powerful explosions in the Universe - but is at risk of crashing back to Earth in the coming months.
The small space telescope will be intercepted by the LINK craft, which will attempt to grab it with three robotic arms, and try and lift it back to a safe orbit.
The rescue mission, launched on Friday, has never been attempted before
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