A unique NASA satellite is falling out of orbit—this team is trying to rescue it

March 23, 2026

TL;DR

The Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, a 21-year-old NASA mission, is losing altitude and at risk of crashing back to Earth.
Katalyst Space Technologies has a $30 million contract to launch a robotic satellite rescue mission by June 1st.
The mission aims to rendezvous with Swift, stabilize its orbit, and extend its scientific operations.
Swift is crucial for detecting gamma-ray bursts, and no other US satellite fully replicates its capabilities.
Katalyst faces a tight nine-month deadline and technical challenges as Swift was not designed for servicing.
The mission serves as a demonstration of commercial satellite servicing capabilities for NASA.
Katalyst is using the Pegasus XL rocket for launch due to its unique launch capabilities and payload capacity for Swift's orbit.
The exact condition of Swift and the best points for grappling are uncertain due to its age and exposure to space.
Increased solar activity has accelerated Swift's orbital decay, shortening the available time for the rescue mission.

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