NASA Satellite Rescue Mission Fails
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Washington DC: A $30 million NASA mission to save the Swift space telescope from plunging into the atmosphere has failed after the rescue spacecraft suffered severe control issues.
The US space agency and startup Katalyst called off the operation Wednesday following ongoing attitude control problems and an earlier out-of-control spin that severed communications.
Launched on July 3, the unmanned craft was designed to rendezvous with Swift and boost its orbit, proving satellite servicing capabilities for future space missions.
Without intervention, the Swift telescope, which has studied universal explosions and gamma-ray bursts since 2004, will plunge into Earth's atmosphere and disintegrate later this year.
NASA plans to attempt a final proximity approach to gather technical lessons for future satellite rescue efforts.
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