NASA Awards $30M Contract to Katalyst Space to Save Swift Spacecraft
NASA has awarded a $30 million contract to Katalyst Space, a startup based in Flagstaff, Arizona, to boost the orbit of the Swift spacecraft. This mission aims to prevent the spacecraft's uncontrolled re-entry into Earth's atmosphere, currently expected in the second half of 2026.
The Swift spacecraft, launched in 2004, has an unusual orbit with an inclination of about 20 degrees. This requires a dedicated launch for the space mission. Katalyst Space plans to start spacecraft assembly, integration, and testing in December 2023 for this mission.
Katalyst Space was one of two companies awarded a study contract by NASA in August 2023 to examine the feasibility of raising Swift's orbit. The other contract went to a team led by Astroscale U.S. and Cambrian Works. The mission is expected to cost $10 million plus launch, with the $30 million contract fully funding the mission.
NASA's acting director of astrophysics division, Shawn Domagal-Goldman, stated that attempting an orbit boost is more affordable than replacing Swift's capabilities with a new space mission. This approach also benefits expanding satellite servicing to a new class of spacecraft.
Katalyst Space, which acquired Atomos Space in April 2024, will send a spacecraft to dock with Swift and raise its orbit using a low Earth orbit demonstrator of its planned LINK geostationary servicing spacecraft. This mission, expected to launch in spring 2026, will help extend the life of the Swift spacecraft and demonstrate innovative satellite servicing technologies.
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