KWAJALEIN ATOLL — The LINK robotic servicing spacecraft launched on July 2, 2026, at 5:09 a.m. EDT from Kwajalein Atoll in the Republic of the Marshall Islands. A Northrop Grumman Pegasus XL rocket, attached to a modified Lockheed Martin L-1011 airliner named Stargazer, carried the LINK spacecraft into orbit.

The mission's objective is to rendezvous with, grapple, and raise the orbit of NASA's Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory to prevent its re-entry into Earth's atmosphere. This process is expected to occur over several months. Katalyst Space built the LINK spacecraft, which the company developed for $30 million. NASA awarded the contract to Katalyst Space in September 2025.

Swift launched in 2004 and cost $250 million at that time. It was not originally designed for in-space servicing. The observatory has been rapidly losing altitude due to the natural drag of Earth's atmosphere, with high solar activity in recent years increasing this drag and accelerating its descent.

To reduce atmospheric drag, Swift's science operations were minimized, keeping the telescope in a streamlined position. Its power consumption was also reduced, allowing its solar panels to maintain a more aerodynamic orientation. NASA models indicate these operational changes should keep Swift above the minimum rescue altitude of 185 miles (298 kilometers) until autumn 2026.

LINK is expected to take about one month to rendezvous with Swift. After grappling the observatory, LINK will use its propulsion system to boost Swift's orbit to approximately 370 miles (595 km). The International Space Station currently orbits at roughly 250 miles (400 km).

Shawn Domagal-Goldman, Director of NASA's Astrophysics Division, described the endeavor as a "high-risk, high-reward mission." He stated, "We have much to gain by attempting this boost, which is more affordable than trying to replace Swift's capabilities, and allows NASA to advance the nation's satellite servicing industry, for the benefit of all." S. Bradley Cenko, Swift's principal investigator and an astrophysicist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, referred to Swift as "NASA's multitool when it comes to studying the cosmos." He added, "It observes the sky using a wide range of light, and rapidly points at short-lived outbursts, alerting other facilities in space and on the ground to help coordinate follow-up observations."

Why It Matters

This mission represents an attempt to extend the operational life of NASA's Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, which has been in orbit since 2004. The observatory's rapid altitude loss necessitated intervention, as increased solar activity has intensified atmospheric drag. The mission's success could establish a precedent for future in-space servicing operations, potentially offering a more cost-effective alternative to replacing aging satellites.