katalyst Space Technologies to Boost NASA’s Swift Observatory

To support innovation within the US space industry, NASA has awarded a contract to Katalyst Space Technologies of Flagstaff, Arizona, to boost its telescope. Katalyst’s service satellites will rendezvous with the Neil gehrels Swift Observatory and raise it to a higher orbit, demonstrating a key capability for the future of space exploration and extending the SWIFT scientific mission.

the Swift telescope launched in 2004 to study the moast energetic explosions in space, known as gamma-ray bursts. Its low Earth orbit has been gradually decaying, a fate common to all satellites in this region. Though, recent increased solar activity is causing Swift to experience greater atmospheric drag than anticipated, accelerating its orbital decay. NASA could allow Swift to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere, as has happened with many missions at the end of their lives. However, Swift’s declining orbit presents an chance to advance American capabilities in on-orbit servicing.

“Partnering with industry to boost Swift’s orbit is one of the many ways NASA is working for the nation every day,” says Nicky Fox, associate administrator for the Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington, adding, “It paves the way for our future in space as we send people back to the Moon, Mars, and beyond as part of the Artemis campaign.“

The orbital raise is planned for spring of next year (2026), though NASA continues to monitor any changes in solar activity that could affect the timeline.A successful Swift Observatory raise would be the first instance of commercial satellites servicing a goverment satellite not originally designed for on-orbit servicing. “Given how quickly Swift’s orbit is decaying, it’s time to act. Though, by leveraging commercial technologies already in advancement, we are tackling this challenge with determination,” says Shawn Domagal-Goldman, executive director of the Astrophysics division at NASA Headquarters, and adds, “For NASA, this is a progressive, risk-tolerant approach.Attempting an orbital raise is less expensive than replacing the SWIFT Observatory and benefits the country by extending the service life of a valuable space asset.“