Scientists have devised a strategy to prevent a significant satellite from descending towards an early destruction.
The Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory by NASA, dedicated to studying gamma-ray bursts, is moving towards Earth at a faster pace than anticipated. Originally expected to function until 2030, it is now predicted to disintegrate in the Earth’s atmosphere by the year-end due to its accelerated descent.
In collaboration with the commercial entity Katalyst Space, NASA is working on a robotic spacecraft to maneuver Swift back into a higher orbit, potentially prolonging its operational lifespan by several decades.
Brad Cenko, the principal investigator for Swift, mentioned that typically, NASA would meticulously plan a mission of this magnitude over many years. However, due to the urgency of the situation with Swift, this plan was expedited within approximately a year and a half.
“This project involves a departure from NASA’s usual operations,” stated Cenko in a conversation with host Nil Köksal of As It Happens. “Therefore, there is a possibility of it not succeeding.”
An aircraft, a rocket, and three robotic appendages
As of early 2025, NASA observed that Swift was descending towards Earth’s orbit at a quicker rate than expected, attributed to an unforeseen surge in solar activity.
This surge in solar activity has also led to an increase in the visibility of the Northern Lights.
“Although it’s visually stunning, every time this occurs, I’m concerned because it signifies a more rapid descent of our satellite,” expressed Cenko.
Initially launched in 2004, Swift was positioned 600 kilometers above sea level. Presently, it has descended to approximately 360 kilometers.
Hence, NASA enlisted the services of Katalyst, based in Arkansas, to develop a solution to reach Swift in time for rescue.
The outcome is LINK, a robotic spacecraft engineered to engage with Swift, presenting a unique challenge as Swift wasn’t originally designed for in-space maintenance.
LINK is housed within a rocket named Pegasus XL, which is secured underneath a modified L-1011 airplane referred to as Stargazer.
Later this month, Stargazer will depart from Kwajalein Atoll in the Republic of the Marshall Islands in the South Pacific Ocean. If all progresses according to plan, the aircraft will release the rocket, which will ascend into the atmosphere to intercept the satellite.
Subsequently, LINK will utilize its three robotic arms resembling lobster claws to secure Swift and provide the necessary push, as detailed by Cenko.
The entire operation is estimated to span approximately two months.
The future of in-space maintenance
If successful, the Swift boost mission will be a pivotal advancement in the expanding sector of in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing, according to Mason Peck, a mechanical and aerospace engineering professor at Cornell University in New