> The Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, a NASA space observatory launched in 2004, is at risk of atmospheric reentry without intervention due to orbit decay.
The Link spacecraft, built by Katalyst Space Technologies to dock with Swift and boost its orbit, completed environmental testing at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. The testing occurred in the Space Environment Simulator, concluding on May 4. The spacecraft has been returned to Katalyst's facilities for additional pre-launch testing.
The mission aims to lift Swift from its current orbit of about 400 km to a higher altitude to prevent reentry, anticipated in late 2026 without action. Swift lacks its own propulsion system, and increased solar activity has accelerated its orbital decay from approximately 600 km to 400 km. NASA awarded Katalyst a $30 million contract in September 2025 to develop the Link spacecraft.
Launch Details
The mission is scheduled for June. Link will integrate with Northrop Grumman's Pegasus XL air-launched rocket at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia early in the month. The aircraft will deploy the spacecraft from the Marshall Islands later in June.