NASA has announced the cancellation of a rescue mission for the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, after persistent technical issues with Katalyst Space’s LINK spacecraft prevented the original plan to raise the observatory into a higher orbit from being carried out.

NASA had hoped that the LINK spacecraft would dock with the Swift Observatory and pull it into a more stable orbit, which could have extended its operational life by about another decade. However, since late July, the vehicle has faced problems with its attitude control system, making it unable to maintain a stable orientation, along with communication disturbances and some functions of the propulsion system.

High-risk rescue attempt
 

The Swift Boost mission was launched in early July after Katalyst Space developed the vehicle over a relatively short period. The mission was an unprecedented attempt to save a space observatory whose orbit was deteriorating due to increased solar activity.

Although the orbital raise operation has been canceled, the LINK mission will not be completely stopped. NASA and Katalyst plan to continue their attempts to dock with the Swift Observatory in order to collect as much data and experience as possible that can be used for future satellite maintenance missions.

Swift Observatory’s expected end
 

The Swift Observatory was launched in 2004 to study gamma-ray bursts, but later became an important tool for astronomers to follow and provide quick data on sudden cosmic events.

With the attempt to raise its orbit canceled, NASA expects the observatory to enter Earth's atmosphere and burn up later this year, ending a scientific mission that has lasted more than two decades.

NASA confirmed that the experiment will not go to waste, noting that the data collected by the LINK spacecraft during the approach attempts will help develop future technologies and capabilities for maintaining and extending the lifespan of satellites in space.