NASA's High-Stakes Satellite Rescue Mission Launches in Record Time

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WALLOPS ISLAND, Virginia—Just 10 months ago, NASA asked three companies if they could build and launch a satellite to save a $500 million astronomy mission at risk of crashing back to Earth. The mission, known as Swift, was in danger of failing due to orbital decay. Katalyst Space Technologies, a startup founded in 2020, presented the most compelling solution.

"They came back with a response that was technically and programmatically plausible, and then we were like, 'Yeah, let’s do it,'" said Shawn Domagal-Goldman, director of NASA's astrophysics division. In August of last year, NASA decided to move forward with Katalyst's proposal. In September, the agency awarded Katalyst a $30 million contract to build, test, and launch a small satellite to chase down Swift and latch onto it with three robotic arms.

Katalyst's Link servicing spacecraft will then boost Swift's orbit back to a safe operating altitude, allowing it to resume scientific observations. The rescue mission comes with significant technical challenges. The Swift spacecraft, launched in 2004, was not designed to be serviced in orbit.

Katalyst must navigate and dock with the spacecraft using a complex system of robotic arms and propulsion systems. Why this matters: The success of this mission has significant implications for the future of space exploration and satellite servicing. A proven ability to rescue and refurbish satellites in orbit could extend the lifespan of costly space-based assets and pave the way for more complex and ambitious missions.

For developers and businesses, this achievement demonstrates the viability of on-demand satellite servicing, potentially opening up new markets and opportunities. However, questions remain about the scalability and cost-effectiveness of such missions, as well as the potential risks and challenges associated with in-orbit servicing. As the space industry continues to evolve, the outcome of this mission will be closely watched by stakeholders and competitors alike.