NASA's $200 Million Space Telescope is Plummeting! Can This Startup Rescue It Before It's Too Late?

NASA is facing a significant challenge with its Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, which is slowly falling out of orbit. The telescope, launched in 2004 to study gamma-ray bursts—some of the most energetic explosions in the universe—has a 90% chance of uncontrolled reentry by the end of 2026. To mitigate this risk, NASA has turned to an innovative solution from Katalyst Space Technologies, a startup based in Flagstaff, Arizona, which has been awarded $30 million to launch a rescue mission.

Katalyst is developing the “LINK” spacecraft, designed to autonomously rendezvous with Swift and boost its orbit to a more stable altitude. The mission timeline is tight, with a launch deadline set for June 2026. Katalyst's plan involves using Northrop Grumman’s air-launched Pegasus rocket, which is dropped from a carrier aircraft at 40,000 feet. This method not only allows for a more efficient ascent but also positions Katalyst to meet specific orbital requirements without the need for excessive propellant.

The urgency of this mission is compounded by the fact that Swift has been experiencing accelerated orbital decay due to increased atmospheric drag, exacerbated by recent spikes in solar activity. According to Katalyst, the observatory is facing a 50% chance of uncontrolled reentry by mid-2026 and a staggering 90% by the end of that year. While Swift would likely incinerate upon reentry—posing no direct threat to people or property on Earth—NASA and Katalyst are eager to extend its operational lifespan for the sake of valuable scientific research.

The Need for Swift's Rescue

Since its launch, Swift has made significant contributions to our understanding of the universe. As it continues to lose altitude, NASA is not only concerned about losing a vital research tool but also about the implications this has for future satellite missions. If Katalyst's mission to boost Swift's orbit is successful, it would showcase a new capability for rapid response to orbital decay, potentially changing how NASA manages its fleet of spacecraft in low-Earth orbit.

The Pegasus rocket's last flight was in 2021, and Katalyst is excited to reinvigorate this once-popular launch vehicle. With the rise of cheaper ground-launched rockets, Pegasus's launch cadence has diminished. Katalyst's mission will mark a notable comeback for this unique platform. Kieran Wilson, vice president of technology at Katalyst, emphasized that “Pegasus is the only system that can meet the orbit, timeline, and budget simultaneously.”

Swift orbits Earth at a 20.6-degree inclination to avoid the South Atlantic Anomaly, a region where Earth’s magnetic field is weaker and can expose satellites to higher radiation levels. This positioning complicates the launch logistics from typical sites like Cape Canaveral or Vandenberg, which would require a larger amount of fuel to reach the right orbital plane. Pegasus's air-launch design effectively circumvents this issue, making it a fitting choice for the mission.

Once LINK is deployed, it will carry out a series of intricate maneuvers known as rendezvous proximity operations to approach Swift. Given that Swift lacks traditional docking ports or fixtures, LINK will utilize a custom-built robotic capture mechanism to grab onto a designated feature on Swift’s body and adjust its orbit accordingly.

The success of this mission will not only extend the lifespan of the Swift observatory, but it will also advance NASA's capabilities in managing orbital assets. As the agency continues to push the boundaries of space exploration, missions like this one will play an integral role in ensuring the longevity and efficiency of its scientific endeavors.

As the clock ticks down to June 2026, all eyes will be on Katalyst Space Technologies as it embarks on this daring mission to save Swift and, with it, valuable scientific research that has been ongoing for nearly two decades.