Swift Observatory Orbit Boost: NASA Partners with Katalyst Space Technologies

Swift Observatory Orbit Boost Mission

NASA is preparing a Swift Observatory orbit boost with help from Katalyst Space Technologies of Flagstaff, Arizona. The mission will extend the life of the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory and show how robotic spacecraft can service satellites in orbit.

The Swift Observatory launched in 2004 to study gamma-ray bursts, the most powerful explosions in the universe. Its orbit has slowly decayed, and recent solar activity has increased atmospheric drag. Instead of letting the spacecraft fall back to Earth, NASA chose a new solution: a robotic spacecraft from Katalyst will raise Swift to a higher orbit.

Why the Swift Observatory Orbit Boost Matters

This orbit boost is historic. For the first time, a commercial robotic spacecraft will capture and raise a government satellite that was never designed for in-orbit servicing. A successful mission will extend Swift’s ability to study black holes, stellar flares, comets, and cosmic explosions. It will also prove that extending missions is cheaper and more sustainable than building new ones.

NASA awarded Katalyst $30 million through the Small Business Innovation Research program to carry out the boost. By working with private industry, NASA gains faster, more flexible solutions. These partnerships strengthen American space leadership and help prepare for future exploration goals, including returning to the Moon and sending humans to Mars.

Looking Ahead

NASA plans the orbit boost for spring 2026, but solar activity could affect the timing. Swift will continue to act as NASA’s “dispatcher” telescope, alerting other missions when sudden cosmic events occur. With the orbit boost, Swift could keep delivering valuable science for many more years.

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