Katalyst’s Link Makes Close Pass by NASA’s Swift Telescope
The 15-kilometer flyby gathered data for future satellite servicing after the rescue attempt was called off, NASA said.
- On the weekend of August 29-30, Katalyst Space Technologies' Link spacecraft reached within 15 kilometers of NASA's Swift Observatory, capturing photos and data more than a week after the rescue mission was abandoned.
- Link entered an uncontrollable spin soon after its July launch, consuming fuel needed for the rescue. Katalyst CEO Ghonhee Lee blamed the failure on rushed nine-month development, forcing engineers to use available parts instead of preferred equipment.
- NASA paid $30 million for the operation, but Link lacked sufficient fuel to boost Swift into a higher orbit. Flight controllers stabilized the spacecraft, yet the telescope remains on track to reenter the atmosphere between October and year's end.
- Despite the failed rescue attempt, the spacecraft continues exercising its 3-foot robotic arms to gather data. Lee noted that servicing old satellites is becoming more commonplace, and the company views this as practice for future satellite service calls.
- Katalyst is developing technology to boost the 36-year-old Hubble Space Telescope into a longer-lasting orbit, applying technical lessons from the Swift mission. The company aims to establish satellite servicing as a standard industry practice.
54 Articles
54 Articles
A private spaceship that was supposed to serve as a lifeguard for NASA's Swift Observatory managed to approach the telescope — which is on its way down — and even take photographs, two weeks after the rescue had ceased.
Link spun uncontrollably, ending the rescue mission for the Swift telescope before it even began.
Rescue Satellite Nears NASA's Doomed Swift Telescope but Low Fuel Ends Salvage Attempt
CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida: A private spacecraft that was supposed to supply a lifeline to NASA’s Swift Observatory managed to get close to the sinking telescope and even snap photos more than a week after the rescue was abandoned.But the three-armed robotic salvager had to turn away because of low fuel, according to Katalyst Space Technologies, which attempted the daring operation."We got so close, but so far,” Katalyst CEO Ghonhee Lee told The As…
<p>The private apparatus approached the doomed NASA telescope, but could no longer save it Link approached the NASA Swift telescope 15 km away and collected data. Rescue mission cancelled due to lack of fuel after losing it stocks.</p>
Spacecraft Settles for Photos of NASA's Sinking Telescope
A private spacecraft that was supposed to supply a lifeline to NASA's Swift Observatory managed to get close to the sinking telescope and even snap photos two weeks after the rescue was abandoned. But the three-armed robotic salvager had to turn away because of low fuel, according to Katalyst Space...
Katalyst Space Link Spacecraft Gets Within 9 Miles Of NASA's Sinking Swift Observatory, Forced To Turn Away On Low Fuel
Katalyst Space's Link salvager got within 15 km of NASA's sinking Swift telescope, snapping photos after rescue was abandoned due to low fuel from spin, as Swift at 208 miles will burn up between October and December.
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