NASA is gearing up for an exciting mission set to launch this Tuesday aimed at rescuing one of its flagship space telescopes.

The Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, launched over two decades ago, has been essential in studying gamma-ray bursts—some of the universe’s most powerful explosions. These phenomena occur during events such as black hole formations or when dense stars collide at the end of their life cycles.

Currently, Swift is facing serious threats, as NASA’s models indicate a potential orbital drop to dangerously low altitudes by October, below 185 miles, risking re-entry and disintegration.

Dr. Sean Domagal Goldman, head of NASA’s astrophysics division, emphasized the importance of Swift at a June 17 press conference. “This observatory excels at quickly identifying transient events in the night sky, making it unique. Thus, we’ve concluded that it deserves to be saved.”

In a bid to rescue the observatory, NASA is slated to launch a robotic spacecraft designed to elevate Swift’s orbit. Last year, the agency allocated $30 million to Arizona-based Catalyst Space Technologies for spacecraft development, while Northrop Grumman will supply the aircraft and rockets for launch.

The operation aims to have Northrop Grumman’s Stargazer aircraft lift off from the Marshall Islands around 6:23 a.m. Tuesday. Once at 40,000 feet, the Stargazer will release the Pegasus XL rocket carrying the LINK spacecraft, which stands 6 feet tall and weighs 880 pounds.

Following its launch, the LINK spacecraft will enter orbit, where it will capture the Swift Observatory and work to increase its altitude over several months.

All satellites in low Earth orbit gradually descend due to atmospheric drag. Swift is currently affected by this, compounded by an intense solar cycle experienced in 2024, known as solar maximum, which increases drag as the atmosphere heats up during heightened solar activity.

John Nosek, an astronomy and astrophysics professor at Penn State University, noted that salvaging Swift could offer broader benefits beyond just extending observation capabilities.

“The capability of recovering satellites that weren’t intended for in-orbit servicing could revolutionize NASA’s approach to spacecraft management,” Nousek stated. “If the LINK mission succeeds, it will only cost about $30 million (in 2026 dollars) to restore the functionality of a $300 million (2004 dollars) satellite.”

Kieran Wilson, vice president of technology at Catalyst Space Technologies, expressed optimism that the Swift Boost mission will reshape astronomers’ perspectives on satellite longevity.

“Traditionally, satellites are launched, complete their missions, and then are either discarded, re-entered, or put into graveyard orbits,” he stated at a June 17 press conference. “We need to be able to refuel, reposition, and upgrade satellites, even if they weren’t designed for such tasks.”

Since its launch in 2004, Swift Observatory has significantly contributed to our understanding of over 1,400 gamma-ray bursts and other high-energy cosmic phenomena, including the farthest known object detected, originating from an exploding star nearly 13 billion light-years away.

NASA has entrusted Katalyst Space Technologies with the task of building and launching the LINK spacecraft, slated for September 2025. Although the timeline appears feasible, Wilson warned that successfully rendezvousing with Swift in orbit and stabilizing its altitude remains a daunting challenge. Swift wasn’t designed for orbital operations and lacks thrusters to adjust its own position or accompany other spacecraft.

“Operational success in space is notoriously difficult,” Wilson acknowledged. “Rendezvousing with Swift will be particularly challenging, but we are prepared for the task ahead.”