Katalyst Space to Launch Rescue Mission for NASA's Falling Swift Observatory
By
Jamie Carter
Summary
Arizona-based startup Katalyst Space is attempting a rapid rescue mission for NASA's aging Swift Observatory, which has been studying gamma-ray bursts since 2004. The spacecraft is falling out of orbit due to atmospheric drag, worsened by recent intense solar activity. Katalyst's LINK spacecraft will launch from an airplane in the Marshall Islands to boost Swift back to a safe altitude, all within an accelerated 250-day development timeline.
Source
Twitter / XKatalyst Space to Launch Rescue Mission for NASA's Falling Swift Observatoryforbes.comKey quotes
· 3 pulledIf nothing is done, 'Swift' will soon burn up in Earth's atmosphere.
An Arizona-based startup is about to attempt a daring rescue of a doomed NASA space telescope — and it's gone from zero to launch in just 250 days.
Recent intense solar activity has worsened that decay, increasing the urgency of a rescue effort.
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