NASA has postponed the launch of a critical mission intended to rescue the Swift space telescope after a technical problem with the launch vehicle. The agency confirmed that a temporary issue prevented teams from deploying the rocket following the takeoff of the carrier aircraft. A new launch date will be established once engineers assess the status of the Pegasus XL launch vehicle.
The mission, known as Swift Boost, involves a private spacecraft built by Katalyst Space Technologies of Arizona. The LINK satellite is designed to grapple NASA’s Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory and tow it to a higher, stable orbit. Without this intervention, the telescope’s trajectory is expected to dip further into the atmosphere, leading to its destruction.
The launch was scheduled to occur from Bucholz Army Airfield at Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands. The Pegasus XL rocket, which is set to fly for the final time, is secured to Northrop Grumman’s L-1011 Stargazer jet. After the aircraft reaches an altitude of approximately 39,000 feet while traveling at Mach 0.82, the rocket will be released. Five seconds later, the rocket’s engine is programmed to ignite, ascending to orbit over the course of about ten minutes.
This mission follows two previous weather-related delays. The Swift Observatory, launched in November 2004 to study gamma-ray bursts, has operated for more than two decades. While it continues to provide scientific value, its orbit has become dangerously low. Recent solar activity has increased atmospheric drag at higher altitudes, a force that will soon overcome the spacecraft’s limited ability to maintain its position.
The Swift telescope was not originally designed for servicing and lacks the thrusters necessary to raise its own orbit. The LINK satellite, measuring roughly 4.9 feet tall, is equipped with three robotic arms to capture the 12.7-foot-long observatory. Once secured, LINK will use ion thrusters to slowly raise the combined orbit over several months.
