NASA Swift Telescope Robotic Rescue

The Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory is a NASA space telescope launched in 2004 for high-energy astrophysics observations. NASA is preparing a robotic servicing mission for Swift to prevent atmospheric re-entry and to raise its orbit from about 360 kilometres to about 600 kilometres.

Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory

The Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory was launched in 2004 and carries instruments for gamma-ray burst studies, X-ray astronomy, and ultraviolet observations. The observatory was not designed for robotic servicing, which makes external capture and orbit-raising operations technically complex.

Robotic Servicing Mission

The planned servicing spacecraft is named LINK and is being built by Arizona-based Katalyst Space Technologies. The spacecraft will fly on a Northrop Grumman Pegasus XL rocket and will use three robotic arms to rendezvous with Swift, capture it, and raise its orbit with ion thrusters.

Orbit Decay and Mission Timeline

Swift’s orbit has been decaying since early 2025 because of increased atmospheric drag linked to strong solar activity that began in 2024. NASA awarded Katalyst Space a contract in September 2025 to design, build, test, and launch LINK within nine months, and the mission cost is $30 million.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory was launched in 2004.
• The LINK spacecraft will attempt to capture an uncrewed United States government satellite.
• The mission uses a Northrop Grumman Pegasus XL rocket.
• Swift’s science operations have been suspended since February 2026.

Exam-Relevant Context

The mission is planned as the first private spacecraft attempt to capture and boost an uncrewed United States government satellite. If the rescue succeeds, Swift’s scientific operations could resume as early as Fall 2026.