NASA has tasked three companies with developing a satellite to save the Swift astronomy mission, which is at risk of crashing to Earth. Katalyst Space Technologies, a startup founded in 2020, was awarded a $30 million contract in September 2025 to build, test, and launch a small satellite that will capture Swift with robotic arms and boost its orbit to a safe altitude. Shawn Domagal-Goldman, director of NASA's astrophysics division, noted that Katalyst's proposal was both technically and programmatically feasible.
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NASA Awards Contract for Satellite Rescue Mission
NASA has initiated a satellite rescue mission for the Swift astronomy satellite, which is in danger of re-entering Earth's atmosphere. Katalyst Space Technologies has been awarded a $30 million contract to develop a satellite that will capture Swift and restore its orbit, enabling it to continue its scientific work.
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A bold satellite rescue mission came together in record time, but will it work?
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NASA Awards Contract for Satellite Rescue Mission