The LINK satellite to save the Swift space telescope is continuing initial checks

At the beginning of July, the robotic LINK mission was launched with the aim of raising the orbit of the Swift space telescope, which, due to engine problems, can no longer maintain the correct operational altitude and is relatively quickly falling back toward Earth. NASA has thus chosen to fund a mission to try to save the scientific instrument launched in 2004, also considering potential future missions to other targets.

After the launch with a Northrop Grumman Pegasus XL rocket (probably one of the last missions of this vehicle), it seems that the operations of the LINK satellite from Katalyst are proceeding as planned. The company’s mission control center team has established contact with the satellite and has begun the commissioning process before approaching the Swift space telescope.

According to reports, LINK was able to open its solar panels to recharge the onboard batteries and power the systems, and it has been possible to maintain stable communication. Also, based on the information, initially, the satellite did not have the correct attitude, but the Katalyst team was able to manually correct the issue and subsequently restore automatic operations.

LINK uses electric propulsion based on three xenon thrusters that allow for high specific impulse but with reduced thrust. As mentioned earlier, before approaching the Swift space telescope, LINK will perform routine checks that will last a few weeks. It will then move on to close-up analysis of the target and finally attempt docking. Approaching a moving object in space is not simple and potentially risky. For this reason, operations must be conducted with the utmost precision.