NASA calls off mission to rescue Swift gamma-ray observatory

Ars Technica reports that NASA and Katalyst Space Technologies announced Wednesday they are calling off the Link mission to rescue the Swift gamma‑ray observatory. The Link satellite, about the size of a refrigerator and equipped with solar arrays and three xenon‑fueled electric thrusters, launched on July third to capture Swift with three robotic arms and boost its orbit. Katalyst said ongoing attitude control issues will prevent the rescue, but the spacecraft remains functional and may still be used to demonstrate its close‑in navigation system.

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