A refrigerator-size satellite named Link, built by startup Katalyst Space Technologies to rescue NASA’s $500 million Swift gamma-ray observatory, spun out of control more than 200 miles above Earth, according to an interview with Katalyst CEO Ghonhee Lee. The spacecraft lost multi-axis stability and two of its three reaction wheels during a communication blackout, leaving engineers scrambling to stabilize the vehicle before aerodynamic drag pulls the Swift observatory out of reach.
Katalyst Space Technologies Struggles to Stabilize Link Satellite
The Link spacecraft began rotating uncontrollably on multiple axes while flying out of range of ground stations, according to Ghonhee Lee, CEO of Katalyst Space Technologies. This unexpected spin severed reliable communications and disabled two of the three reaction wheels responsible for pointing the vehicle. Subsequent sporadic radio contact revealed additional issues with the spacecraft’s cold gas thrusters, which are normally used for finer attitude control.
Despite the attitude control failures, secondary systems onboard the Link satellite remain healthy. According to engineering data reviewed by the ground team in a control center near Denver, the power supply, rendezvous hardware, robotics equipment, and three xenon-fueled electric thrusters are fully operational.
Did you know?
NASA awarded Katalyst Space Technologies a $30 million contract to rendezvous with, grab, and boost the decaying orbit of the Swift gamma-ray observatory before it burns up in the atmosphere.
Tight Timelines Threaten NASA’s First Commercial Satellite Servicing Mission
The stakes are high for NASA’s first time contracting with a commercial company to service one of its satellites. Space agency officials gave Katalyst less than a year to put the mission together. The Link satellite successfully launched on July 3 to begin chasing the Swift observatory, proceeding according to plan until the attitude anomaly struck.
Time is running out for the rescue attempt. According to mission parameters, the Swift observatory will drop too low in altitude within a few months for the Link spacecraft to successfully complete the orbital boost, making the current stabilization effort critical to the mission’s survival.
Plasma Engines Deployed to Arrest Spacecraft Spin
Katalyst engineers are utilizing the satellite’s xenon-fueled plasma engines to gradually slow the uncontrolled rotation, according to statements given to Ars by CEO Ghonhee Lee. While these electric thrusters were primarily engineered for orbit-raising maneuvers, their ability to vector thrust using a two-axis gimbal makes them suitable for emergency attitude control.
As the Denver-based team continues working through communication passes, the success of the operation depends on the performance of these improvised attitude-control maneuvers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Link satellite?
The Link satellite, built and operated by Katalyst Space Technologies, was launched to rescue NASA’s $500 million Swift gamma-ray observatory by capturing it and boosting its decaying orbit.
What caused the Link satellite to spin out of control?
According to Katalyst CEO Ghonhee Lee, the satellite lost stability across multiple axes and suffered failures in two of its three reaction wheels and cold gas thrusters during a period without ground communication.
How are engineers fixing the spinning spacecraft?
Katalyst’s ground team is using the satellite’s xenon-fueled electric thrusters—which feature a two-axis gimbal for vectoring thrust—to gradually slow the rotation and regain attitude control.
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