Key facts
- The LINK spacecraft, developed by Katalyst Space, is tumbling uncontrollably.
- The mission's goal was to boost NASA's Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory to a higher orbit.
- Two of the LINK spacecraft's three reaction wheels have failed.
- A thruster system on the LINK spacecraft is also experiencing problems.
- Engineers are using secondary thrusters to slow the spacecraft's spin.
A private spacecraft, the LINK robot developed by Katalyst Space Technologies, is tumbling out of control just weeks after its launch, jeopardizing a critical mission to save NASA's aging Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory. The Swift Observatory, launched in 2004, is descending faster than expected due to solar activity and requires its orbit to be boosted to continue scanning the universe for cosmic explosions. The LINK spacecraft, which blasted into orbit three weeks ago, is experiencing thruster problems and has entered an uncontrollable spin, disrupting communication. This malfunction is attributed to the failure of two of its three reaction wheels and issues with one of its thruster systems. Engineers are working to regain control by using other thrusters to slow the spin and are hopeful that the mission can still rendezvous with Swift. NASA is paying $30 million for this rescue effort, which was rapidly assembled within a year.