NASA Cancels Swift Gamma‑Ray Observatory Rescue Mission

NASA and Katalyst Space Technologies announced that the robotic rescue mission for the aging Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory has been abandoned. The rescue satellite, Link, launched on July 3, was designed to rendezvous with Swift, use three robotic arms to capture it, and then boost the telescope into a higher, safer orbit with its xenon‑fueled electric thrusters. Katalyst cited ongoing attitude‑control problems that would prevent Link from completing the capture and boost. The spacecraft remains operational, and the company plans to use its remaining capacity to approach Swift and demonstrate its close‑in navigation system. The cancellation means Swift will likely reenter the atmosphere as its orbit decays, ending its decade‑long contribution to gamma‑ray astronomy.