A robotic spacecraft is planned to save the satellite from atmospheric drag and prevent its uncontrolled re-entry.
Speed is of the essence, too, as Katalyst is due to launch in eight months. Docking operations are on schedule for mid-2026, to save Swift before it burns up. The robotic servicer will autonomously approach, capture, and reposition the satellite into a more stable orbit.
“This is about saving a world-class science asset while proving the United States can execute rapid, on-orbit response,” said Ghonhee Lee, CEO of Katalyst Space.
“We’re demonstrating that when the need arises, we can go from identifying the problem to executing a robotic docking mission in less than a year.”
Robotics
The challenge facing Katalyst Space is that Swift was never designed to be captured. It means there are grappling fixtures to grab onto. Also, the robotic capture mechanism must attach the satellite’s main structure without damaging sensitive instruments.
According to the organisations, the servicing on an unprepared satellite would be a first for NASA. And potentially could unlock a new era of on-orbit servicing where satellites can regularly undergo servicing instead of facing end-of-life.
“Given how quickly Swift’s orbit is decaying, we are in a race against the clock, but by leveraging commercial technologies that are already in development, we are meeting this challenge head-on,” said Shawn Domagal-Goldman, acting director, Astrophysics Division, NASA Headquarters.
“This is a forward-leaning, risk-tolerant approach for NASA. But attempting an orbit boost is both more affordable than replacing Swift’s capabilities with a new mission, and beneficial to the nation — expanding the use of satellite servicing to a new and broader class of spacecraft.”
Swift
The active Swift satellite, and its three instruments, is investigating gamma-ray bursts. Scientists are investigating the intense flashes of gamma radiation, and the satellite will help study the afterglow.
Swift is part of NASA’s medium explorer (MIDEX) program. Operations date from November 2004.
Image: Katalyst Space Technologies
See also: NASA examines onboard AI test for autonomous Dynamic Targeting EO