NASA has awarded a $30 million contract to aerospace startup Katalyst Space to conduct a mission aimed at saving the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory. The mission, scheduled for spring 2026, will attempt to boost the aging astronomy satellite into a higher orbit to prevent its uncontrolled reentry into Earth's atmosphere.
The Swift satellite, a key tool for observing high-energy cosmic events, is currently in a decaying orbit and is projected to reenter in the second half of 2026. This initiative represents a novel approach by NASA to extend the life of a valuable scientific asset using emerging commercial technology.
Key Takeaways
- NASA has awarded Katalyst Space a $30 million contract to reboost the Swift satellite's orbit.
- The mission is scheduled for spring 2026 to prevent an uncontrolled reentry later that year.
- Katalyst will use a demonstrator spacecraft to dock with Swift, which was not designed for servicing.
- The project is seen as a more affordable alternative to launching a replacement satellite and aims to advance in-orbit servicing capabilities.
A Critical Mission to Extend Scientific Discovery
The Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory has been a cornerstone of astrophysics since its launch, providing crucial data on gamma-ray bursts and other transient cosmic phenomena. However, its orbit is gradually decaying, posing a risk of an uncontrolled fall back to Earth. To address this, NASA initiated a competitive process to find a viable solution.
On September 24, the agency announced its selection of Katalyst Space for the mission. The company was chosen following a short study period that began on August 11, where it and a team led by Astroscale U.S. and Cambrian Works explored the feasibility of using commercially developed spacecraft for the task.
The urgency of the situation was highlighted by Shawn Domagal-Goldman, acting director of NASA’s astrophysics division. He described the effort as a "race against the clock" due to the rapid decay of Swift's orbit.
"This is a forward-leaning, risk-tolerant approach for NASA. But attempting an orbit boost is both more affordable than replacing Swift’s capabilities with a new mission, and beneficial to the nation — expanding the use of satellite servicing to a new and broader class of spacecraft."
Background on the Swift Observatory
Launched in 2004, the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory is a multi-wavelength space observatory dedicated to the study of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). Its rapid response capability allows it to quickly pivot to observe these powerful cosmic explosions. Over its long operational life, it has provided invaluable data that has shaped our understanding of the universe's most violent events.
Katalyst Space's Innovative Servicing Technology
To accomplish the mission, Katalyst Space will utilize a demonstrator version of its LINK servicing spacecraft, which was already scheduled for a 2026 launch. The primary challenge is that Swift was not designed with docking or servicing in mind. It lacks the standard interfaces that would simplify such a maneuver.
Katalyst plans to overcome this by using a custom-built mechanism to attach to the satellite. A successful docking would serve as a powerful demonstration of the ability to service, repair, or reposition satellites that were never intended for in-orbit interaction. This capability could unlock significant new markets in both the commercial and national security sectors.
Ghonhee Lee, Chief Executive of Katalyst Space, emphasized the dual importance of the project. "This is about saving a world-class science asset while proving the United States can execute rapid, on-orbit response," he stated.
Mission Financials and Logistics
- Contract Value: The $30 million award is a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase 3 contract.
- Estimated Cost: Katalyst estimates the mission will cost approximately $10 million plus launch expenses.
- Launch Requirements: Swift's unique orbit, with an inclination of about 20 degrees, necessitates a dedicated launch for the servicing spacecraft.
An Ambitious Timeline and Technical Path Forward
Accelerated Development Schedule
The timeline for the mission is exceptionally tight. According to Sarah Bradley, operations lead at Katalyst, the company plans to begin spacecraft assembly, integration, and testing in December. This leaves less than eight months to prepare the hardware for delivery.
"We’re confident in our ability to execute on this incredibly tight timeline," Bradley said, noting the company's readiness to meet the challenge. The $30 million contract from NASA will fully fund the mission, including the cost of the launch, though the company has not yet disclosed its launch provider.
Company Background and Experience
Katalyst Space, based in Flagstaff, Arizona, is a relatively new player in the aerospace industry and has not yet flown its own mission. The company expanded its capabilities in April 2024 through the acquisition of Atomos Space.
Atomos Space conducted a mission in March 2024 to test technologies for rendezvous, docking, and refueling. However, the two spacecraft involved in that test experienced several technical issues during their commissioning phase. The experience gained from that mission will likely inform the development and execution of the upcoming Swift reboost operation.
This mission represents a significant step for both NASA and the commercial space industry. If successful, it will not only save a vital scientific instrument but also pave the way for a new era of satellite servicing, extending the operational life of critical assets in orbit.