NASA and Katalyst Space Collaborate to Extend Swift Observatory's Mission
NASA has partnered with Katalyst Space to extend the mission of the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory by raising its orbit. The observatory, which studies gamma-ray bursts and other cosmic phenomena, is experiencing rapid orbital decay due to increased solar activity. To prevent its re-entry into Earth's atmosphere, Katalyst Space will use its LINK robotic servicing spacecraft to boost Swift's orbit. The mission, set to launch in June 2026 on Northrop Grumman's Pegasus XL rocket, marks the first attempt by a commercial robotic mission to service a NASA spacecraft not originally designed for in-space servicing. This initiative aims to retain Swift's unique capabilities at a lower cost than building a new mission. 
