Katalyst's LINK Servicing Spacecraft Integrated into Pegasus XL Rocket for Swift Observatory Orbit Boost
By
Jeanette Kazmierczak
Summary
Engineers completed integration of Katalyst Space's LINK robotic servicing spacecraft into a Northrop Grumman Pegasus XL rocket at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility. The mission aims to raise the orbit of NASA's Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, which has experienced altitude decay due to atmospheric drag exacerbated by recent solar activity. Launch is expected later this month.
Source
bskyKatalyst's LINK Servicing Spacecraft Integrated into Pegasus XL Rocket for Swift Observatory Orbit Boostscience.nasa.govKey quotes
· 4 pulledEngineers completed installation of Katalyst Space's LINK robotic servicing spacecraft into a Northrop Grumman Pegasus XL rocket on Tuesday, June 9, at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia.
NASA contracted Katalyst to build and launch LINK to raise the altitude of the agency's Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory.
Our planet's atmosphere creates drag for spacecraft in low Earth orbit, gradually reducing their altitudes if they don't have propulsion systems to counteract the effect.
Recent solar activity magnified this effect on Swift, and its orbit...
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