SPACE ยท 1 min read
NASA Revises Swift Servicing Plan After LINK Control Issue
NASA's August update replaced the planned orbit boost with an attempt at rendezvous and close operations around Swift.
By TechRado Desk
NASA and Katalyst Space changed the servicing plan for the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory after an attitude-control problem on Katalyst's LINK spacecraft. In its August 19, 2026 update, NASA said LINK would no longer capture Swift and raise its orbit.
A narrower mission objective
The revised plan called for an attempt at rendezvous and proximity operations. Those tests could provide data about approaching and operating near another satellite, although they would not deliver the planned extension of Swift's science life.
Swift launched in 2004 to study gamma-ray bursts and other cosmic events. NASA said increased solar activity had accelerated the decay of its orbit. LINK launched July 3, and teams established communications and performed initial checkouts before encountering the control issue.
Follow the operations updates
The revised goal was to demonstrate close spacecraft operations safely. NASA's August announcement describes that plan; it does not report a completed demonstration. Readers can follow the Swift mission blog for later operational updates.