NASA abandons attempt to rescue aging space telescope from atmospheric re-entry

Wait 5 sec.

NASA and Katalyst Space Technologies have ended their mission to save the Swift Observatory. Persistent attitude-control failures on the Link servicing vehicle prevented a safe rendezvous. The observatory's trajectory was impacted by heightened solar activity and atmospheric drag. Swift is now on track for an uncontrolled atmospheric re-entry later this year. This outcome highlights risks in commercial in-orbit servicing operations.