NASA announced on July 3rd that a commercial spacecraft launched that day is set to dock with the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, also known as Swift, to raise the orbiting telescope's altitude and extend its operational lifespan.
On July 3, Eastern Time, Northrop Grumman Corporation's Pegasus XL rocket, carrying the "LINK" spacecraft developed by the startup company Catalyst Space Technologies, launched from near the Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands. The rocket was air-launched from a modified L-1011 aircraft at an altitude of approximately 12,000 meters before igniting to deliver the LINK spacecraft into its intended orbit.
The Swift observatory was launched in 2004 with a primary mission to detect gamma-ray bursts in the universe. NASA explained that spacecraft in low Earth orbit are affected by atmospheric drag, which gradually lowers their orbital altitude. Increased solar activity in recent years has accelerated this effect, causing Swift's orbit to decay faster than anticipated. As Swift itself lacks a propulsion system, it cannot raise its own orbit.
To extend Swift's service life, NASA entered into a contract with Catalyst Space Technologies in September 2025 for the company to perform the orbital re-boost mission.
NASA also stated that the LINK spacecraft is now in its planned orbit, and mission teams have successfully established communications with it. Over the coming weeks, Catalyst Space Technologies will conduct check-out procedures on the spacecraft, including assessments of its propulsion, sensing, and navigation systems.
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