A $30 million NASA-sponsored robotic spacecraft, Link, reentered Earth's atmosphere on Friday after failing to rescue the decaying $364 million Swift Observatory, Katalyst Space Technologies announced.
Launched July 3, the three-armed satellite experienced electronic failures in two reaction wheels and valve issues causing communication-disrupting spins. Though controllers regained control and tested its three-foot robotic arms within 7 to 9 miles (12 to 15 kilometers) of Swift to snap photos, insufficient fuel forced NASA to call off the mission in August.
Swift, a 22-year-old observatory launched in 2004 to detect gamma-ray bursts and cosmic explosions, experienced accelerated orbital decay due to intense solar flares. After temporarily suspending observations to reduce drag, NASA expects Swift to reenter in early November. NASA official Shawn Domagal-Goldman and Katalyst CEO Ghonhee Lee stated the ambitious project provided vital practice and a foundation for future satellite-recovery endeavors.
Swift has resumed scanning during its remaining month as NASA works to fill the observational gap.