One week ago, a satellite named Link, which is part of a mission to assist NASA's Swift gamma-ray observatory, began spinning uncontrollably while over 200 miles above Earth. This malfunction affected its ability to maintain a stable communication link with ground control and complicated efforts to stabilize the satellite. Two of Link's three reaction wheels, essential for pointing, also failed. Engineers, through intermittent radio contact, identified issues with some of the cold gas thrusters that are used for precise attitude control. The Link satellite is developed and operated by Katalyst Space Technologies, which has a $30 million contract with NASA to service the Swift observatory by boosting its orbit before the satellite ultimately succumbs to atmospheric drag.
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Engineers Address Issues with Satellite Supporting NASA's Swift Mission
Engineers are working to resolve issues with the Link satellite, which is intended to assist NASA's Swift gamma-ray observatory. The satellite has encountered multiple malfunctions, including a loss of communication and failures in its reaction wheels and thrusters. Katalyst Space Technologies operates the Link satellite under a $30 million NASA contract.
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Here's how engineers plan to save the satellite sent to save NASA's Swift mission
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Engineers Address Issues with Satellite Supporting NASA's Swift Mission