NASA chose Katalyst to develop and launch the Link satellite to support Swift as its orbit began to decay, with a nine-month timeline that was set for the mission. The Link spacecraft was integrated with a Pegasus rocket and lifted off on July 3 after weather and a rocket technical issue delayed the original early-June target.

Swift’s orbit has been deteriorating, prompting NASA to attempt a rescue using Link. The Link satellite continues to generate adequate electrical power and maintain communication with ground teams, giving engineers time to devise a response to reaction wheel problems that have limited Swift’s attitude control.

Kieran Wilson, Link’s principal investigator at Katalyst, said before launch that earlier programs had encountered power and communications challenges, which are fundamental concerns for spacecraft operations. NASA noted that Link’s guidance, navigation and control software will be updated to accommodate the new spacecraft configuration, and that both Katalyst and NASA teams will assess revised plans for approaching and capturing Swift, contingent on safety and the health of Link.

NASA officials said the effort is considered a success from a programmatic perspective, as the teams have proceeded with the mission despite the technical setbacks.