NASA launches robotic mission to save telescope falling back to Earth

NASA has launched a robotic mission to save its aging Swift Observatory telescope from crashing back to Earth. The Link spacecraft, built by Katalyst Space Technologies, was launched from the Marshall Islands on Friday via a Pegasus rocket. This unprecedented $30 million effort aims to capture the Swift telescope, which is sinking faster due to solar storms, and boost its orbit by approximately 300 kilometers. The mission involves the robot locating, circling, and docking with the telescope using three robotic arms, followed by a month-long operation to re-orbit it. If successful, this mission could enable future satellite rescues and extend the life of valuable space assets.

NASA has launched a $30 million robotic mission to rescue the aging Swift space telescope, which is currently falling towards Earth. The unprecedented operation, expected to take several months, aims to prevent the telescope from burning up in the atmosphere. The robot, developed by American start-up Katalyst, was launched on Friday from a Pacific Ocean atoll via a Pegasus rocket deployed from an airplane. If successful, this mission could establish a precedent for extending the lifespan of other satellites. The launch, initially delayed by weather and technical issues, finally occurred after being rescheduled from Tuesday.

NASA has launched a mission utilizing a robot spacecraft named LINK, built by Katalyst Space Technologies, to rescue the Swift space telescope. The LINK spacecraft, a three-armed robot equipped with cameras and guidance systems, was launched on Friday. Its objective is to intercept the Swift telescope, which is falling from orbit and at risk of burning up. Over the next three to four weeks, LINK will activate its systems and maneuver to approach the Swift telescope. The robot will then slowly attach itself to the telescope, which was not designed to be caught or have its orbit altered. This ambitious mission aims to bring the telescope back to safety.