Key facts
- Katalyst's Link satellite, intended to save NASA's Swift observatory from reentry, is experiencing critical failures.
- Two of the Link satellite's three reaction wheels are inoperable, affecting its attitude control.
- The satellite is also experiencing issues with its cold gas thruster system.
- NASA is paying Katalyst $30 million for the satellite servicing mission.
- The Link satellite's electric thrusters are being used to stabilize its attitude, a task they were not designed for.
The Link satellite, a commercial spacecraft developed by Katalyst Space Technologies and tasked with saving NASA's aging Swift gamma-ray telescope from atmospheric reentry, is facing significant technical challenges. Launched on July 3, the satellite has experienced critical failures in its attitude control system, specifically with its reaction wheels. Preliminary investigations indicate that two of the Link satellite's three reaction wheels are non-operational, and there is also a loss of functionality in its cold gas thruster system. These failures are causing the satellite to spin and have led to sporadic communications.
Reaction wheels are standard components used to control a satellite's orientation in orbit. The Link satellite's cold gas thruster system is intended for finer control as it approaches its target, NASA's Swift observatory, which is approximately 200 miles above Earth. With the primary attitude control systems compromised, Katalyst is now attempting to utilize the satellite's xenon-fueled electric thrusters for stabilization, a role they were not originally designed for. These electric thrusters are crucial for raising Swift's orbit once Link attaches to it.
Despite these setbacks, the Link spacecraft continues to generate sufficient electrical power and maintain communication with ground teams, providing engineers with time to devise a plan. NASA is paying Katalyst $30 million for the rescue service, viewing the mission as both a critical endeavor to extend Swift's scientific life and a technology demonstration for the commercial satellite servicing industry. The rapid nine-month timeline for building and launching Link, though challenging, was met by Katalyst. NASA officials have stated that even the attempt itself is considered a programmatic success, regardless of the final outcome for the Swift rescue.