5.07.2026
Teams Make Contact With Spacecraft Set to Boost NASA’s Swift
Teams have successfully established communications with Katalyst Space’s robotic servicing spacecraft LINK, which is designed to raise the orbit of NASA’s Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory to a higher altitude.
Making contact with LINK was the spacecraft’s first in-orbit operation, after launch and separation Friday from Northrop Grumman’s Pegasus XL rocket and power-on.
Over the next several weeks, Katalyst will perform checkout procedures for LINK, including assessments of its propulsion, sensor, and navigation systems.
LINK will then approach Swift and complete a survey of the 21-year-old observatory, before capturing and lifting it over the course of several months.
NASA will provide updates throughout the mission on the agency’s Swift blog.
Quelle: NASA
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Update: 12.07.2026
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On-Orbit Checkouts in Progress for Mission to Boost NASA’s Swift
Commissioning is well underway for Katalyst’s robotic servicing spacecraft LINK, which is designed to boost the orbit of NASA’s Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory.
After a July 3 launch that delivered LINK into orbit as expected, the spacecraft remains healthy. The Katalyst team established contact with LINK that same day and began the process known as commissioning, in which they check out the spacecraft’s systems, make any adjustments needed based on how those systems are operating in orbit, and prepare the spacecraft for its mission.
The team quickly worked through a number of standard, early on-orbit procedures, including successful solar array deployment, delivery of power to the spacecraft, and establishing routine communications. They stabilized the spacecraft after an initial period of excess momentum and enabled autonomous momentum management. Katalyst is now checking out LINK’s subsystems, including its electric propulsion system, which involves firing the spacecraft’s three xenon-fueled thrusters.
The commissioning process is anticipated to take a few weeks, with flexibility built in to allow the team to pause, assess data, and adjust as needed.
Quelle: NASA
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Update: 17.07.2026
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Spacecraft Commissioning On Track for Mission to Boost NASA’s Swift
Teams continue to progress through in-orbit preparations for the robotic servicing spacecraft designed to boost NASA’s Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory to a higher altitude. Katalyst Space’s LINK spacecraft remains healthy and is about halfway through this commissioning process.
LINK launched July 3, completed its initial postlaunch sequence, and began system checkouts. After completing solar array deployment and establishing communications, Katalyst now has commissioned LINK’s power systems and avionics, as well as conducted propulsion system checkouts. This has involved firing the spacecraft’s xenon-fueled thrusters, which will be used to travel to Swift and slowly raise its orbital altitude over the course of several months.
The Katalyst team also quickly addressed early communications and attitude control issues seen during flight operations, including an issue with one of the spacecraft’s three reaction wheels. After identifying the cause, they implemented flight software patches and operational updates that restored reliable communications and stable attitude control.
The commissioning process will continue over the coming weeks, with flexibility built in to allow the team to pause, assess data, and adjust as needed. LINK then will begin its transit phase to meet up with Swift.
Quelle: NASA