A Mission to Save NASA’s Falling Observatory Spun Out of Control. What Happens Next
NASA says LINK’s spin has been reduced to 1.47 degrees per second as the satellite prepares for a delayed rendezvous with Swift.
- Nearly a month after launching the LINK satellite, Arizona-based Katalyst Space Technologies and NASA announced Tuesday that the mission to rescue The Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory is facing delays due to technical problems.
- Swift, which has served as an astrophysics multitool in low-Earth orbit for nearly 22 years, faces a fiery reentry this fall as atmospheric drag from solar activity threatens to pull the observatory below 300 kilometers.
- Preliminary investigation shows two of LINK's three reaction wheels are inoperable, causing the spacecraft to spin; Katalyst addressed attitude control issues by implementing flight software patches and operational updates.
- On Wednesday, the mission team curbed the spacecraft's spin rate to 1.47 degrees per second, and Katalyst plans to send a software update to restore LINK's orientation for necessary orbital maneuvers.
- Uncertainty remains regarding whether the satellite will reach Swift in time, as the rendezvous faces delays despite LINK's spin being largely under control.
17 Articles
17 Articles
The private space probe Link, which has to save the Swift telescope of the Nasa, is in difficulty. Its operator, Katalyst Space, is trying to regain control of it without endangering the mission. Progress has been made, but the situation remains uncertainThe American space observatory Neil Gehrels Swift is at risk. Placed in orbit in 2004, at 600 km from the Earth, it is losing altitude and could disintegrate into the atmosphere by the end of th…
The time is running to prevent the telescope from being destroyed against the Earth, while the ship sent to its rescue rotates unchecked in space. More information: NASA chooses Spain to see the total solar eclipse of August 12 with 6 balloons in Spain to study the solar corona.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 40% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
