Teams have successfully established communications with Katalyst Space’s robotic servicing spacecraft LINK, which is designed to raise the orbit of NASA’s Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory to a higher altitude.
Making contact with LINK was the spacecraft’s first in-orbit operation, after launch and separation Friday from Northrop Grumman’s Pegasus XL rocket and power-on.
Over the next several weeks, Katalyst will perform checkout procedures for LINK, including assessments of its propulsion, sensor, and navigation systems.
LINK will then approach Swift and complete a survey of the 21-year-old observatory, before capturing and lifting it over the course of several months.
NASA will provide updates throughout the mission on the agency’s Swift blog.
Learn more about Swift at:
https://science.nasa.gov/mission/swift/swift-boost-mission/
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