Key facts
- A Katalyst Space robot, the LINK spacecraft, is tumbling out of control after launch.
- The mission aimed to raise the orbit of NASA's Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory.
- Two of the LINK spacecraft's three reaction wheels have failed.
- One of the spacecraft's thruster systems is also experiencing problems.
- Flight controllers are attempting to slow the spin using other thrusters.
A Katalyst Space robot, designed to service NASA's Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, is currently tumbling out of control. The mission, which marks the first time NASA has contracted a private company to elevate one of its observatories to a higher orbit, is facing significant challenges.
The LINK spacecraft, launched on July 3, was intended to rendezvous with the Swift Observatory, which was deployed in 2004. Swift requires its orbit to be raised to continue its operations, particularly its ability to rapidly observe transient cosmic events like gamma-ray bursts.
During the commissioning phase, the LINK spacecraft began to spin uncontrollably. This is attributed to the failure of two of its three reaction wheels, which are crucial for spacecraft alignment, and issues with one of its thruster systems. The uncontrolled spin has made communication difficult as the spacecraft's antenna is not consistently pointed towards Earth.
NASA and Katalyst engineers are actively working to regain control by utilizing a secondary set of thrusters to slow the spin. Kieran Wilson, Katalyst's chief engineer, had previously acknowledged the mission's inherent risks and rapid development timeline, noting that complex spacecraft can fail for mundane reasons despite extensive funding and longer development cycles.
Katalyst recently secured $12 million in funding from investors including Fortitude Ventures and Geodesic Capital. The company's technology also has interest from the U.S. military for satellite servicing and surveillance capabilities.