NASA hired robot to boost telescope spins out of control
Original: The robot NASA hired to lift a orbital telescope tumbled out of control
Why This Matters
This is NASA's first attempt to outsource orbital telescope servicing to a private company, setting a key precedent for commercial satellite life-extension services.
A Katalyst Space LINK spacecraft, launched July 3 to raise the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory to a higher orbit, lost control and began tumbling after two of three reaction wheels and a thruster system failed, with NASA and the company working to stabilize it using backup thrusters.
Katalyst Space's LINK spacecraft, launched aboard a Northrop Grumman Pegasus rocket on July 3, 2026, was contracted by NASA to raise the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory — a gamma-ray burst telescope in orbit since 2004 — to a higher orbit to extend its operational lifespan. This marks the first time NASA has hired a private company to perform such an orbital-raising service for one of its space telescopes.
During commissioning over several weeks, the spacecraft encountered serious anomalies: two of its three reaction wheels failed, and one thruster system developed problems. By the weekend, LINK began spinning uncontrollably, causing 'sporadic communications' as its antenna intermittently lost line-of-sight with Earth. Flight controllers are now using a secondary thruster system to slow the spin, stating they 'have already begun this series of burns and are seeing the intended effect.'
Katalyst confirmed to TechCrunch that 'this remains an active mission,' and NASA will assess whether the rendezvous with Swift can proceed once stability is restored. Principal investigator Kieran Wilson had acknowledged the risks ahead of launch, noting the spacecraft was built rapidly due to time pressure. Katalyst raised $12 million in June, backed by Fortitude Ventures and Geodesic Capital, and has also received U.S. military funding.