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'No one thought it was going to be possible.' A space telescope is falling out of space. This is NASA's daring plan to save it.

NASA is attempting to save the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, which is falling out of orbit. The mission uses a LINK robotic spacecraft built by Katalyst Space to boost the telescope to a higher orbit. The rescue involves a Northrop Grumman Pegasus rocket launched from an aircraft.

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What changed

The mission has transitioned from planning to launch, with reports that the aircraft carrying the satellite has taken off from NASA Wallops.

Live updates

  1. NASA Launches Rescue Mission for Falling Swift Observatory

    NASA is attempting to save the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, which is falling out of orbit. The mission uses a LINK robotic spacecraft built by Katalyst Space to boost the telescope to a higher orbit. The rescue involves a Northrop Grumman Pegasus rocket launched from an aircraft.

    What's confirmed:

    • The Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory is falling out of orbit.
    • Katalyst Space built the LINK robotic servicing satellite for the rescue.
    • The mission utilizes a Northrop Grumman Pegasus rocket.
    • The Swift telescope was launched in 2004.
    • The rescue mission aims to boost the observatory into a higher orbit.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • The LINK robot will launch on 27 June.
    • The spacecraft will launch from an airplane in the Marshall Islands.
    • The aircraft carrying the Swift Boost satellite has taken off from NASA Wallops.
    confidence 90%