Katalyst Space Technologies is working to stabilize its Link spacecraft following a post-launch “multi-axis spin” that threatened the mission’s ability to service the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory. According to the company, controllers successfully reduced the satellite’s body rate from 9 degrees per second to 1.47 degrees per second using electric thrusters, preserving fuel for the remainder of the $30 million mission.
Stabilizing the Link Spacecraft
The Link spacecraft encountered technical difficulties shortly after its July 3 launch on a Pegasus rocket. By July 28, the company reported the satellite had entered a multi-axis spin. Katalyst Space Technologies stated that recovery operations consumed less than 100 grams of propellant, though the company has not disclosed the total fuel remaining on board. Engineers are currently preparing a “significant flight software update” intended to restore full attitude control, which is necessary before the craft can approach the NASA observatory.
Did you know?
The Link spacecraft is tasked with a high-risk mission: physically grappling the 22-year-old Swift observatory to boost its decaying orbit. This is the first time Katalyst has attempted an active satellite servicing and reboost maneuver.
Challenges Facing the Swift Observatory
NASA’s Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory is currently losing altitude and lacks the internal propulsion to correct its path. As of August 9, the observatory was orbiting at just below 350 kilometers. According to mission parameters, the reboost must begin before the satellite drops to approximately 300 kilometers, a threshold expected to be reached no earlier than October. Without a successful intervention, the observatory is projected to deorbit late this year or early next year.
Technical Hurdles and Mission Timeline
The recovery process remains complex due to hardware limitations identified after the July launch. Katalyst disclosed that two of the spacecraft’s three reaction wheels are non-functional, and its reaction control system thrusters are only partially operational. Despite these setbacks, the company remains focused on reaching the Swift observatory. The mission is now expected to reach the target in late August, a delay of several weeks from the original schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the Swift observatory need a reboost?
The 22-year-old satellite does not have its own propulsion system to raise its orbit. Without an external boost, it will eventually deorbit and burn up in the atmosphere.
What is the primary risk for the Link mission?
NASA has characterized the mission as high-risk because it involves complex docking maneuvers with a spacecraft that was not originally designed to be serviced in orbit.
When is the reboost expected to occur?
Katalyst plans to reach the observatory in late August, with the reboost required to happen before the satellite descends below 300 kilometers, which is expected to occur no earlier than October.
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