NASA is preparing a robotic mission to extend the life of the ageing Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, which is gradually losing altitude and faces eventual re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere.
A robotic spacecraft developed by US startup Katalyst will attempt to rendezvous with the telescope, attach using robotic arms and raise its orbit by about 300 kilometres. The launch was delayed due to bad weather.
Launched in 2004 to study gamma-ray bursts, Swift has remained operational far beyond its planned two-year mission and continues to deliver valuable scientific data.
The $30 million mission is considered a major step in satellite servicing. If successful, it could pave the way for future in-orbit repair, repositioning and life-extension of ageing spacecraft.
