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Swift Observatory

All articles tagged with #swift observatory

science-and-technology3 months ago•2 min saved

NASA and SpaceX Cancel ISS Reboost Mission

NASA attempted to reboost the International Space Station using SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft, but the mission was aborted due to a fuel swap issue, highlighting the challenges of maintaining orbit after the retirement of older spacecraft. Meanwhile, NASA is actively working to extend the life of the Swift observatory, which is at risk of uncontrolled reentry due to atmospheric drag, by contracting Katalyst Space Technologies for a rapid robotic rescue mission. The efforts underscore the importance of innovative solutions for space station and satellite maintenance amid evolving space capabilities.

via theregister.com|

#iss #nasa #reboost

science3 months ago•3 min saved

Private Company to Reboost NASA's Swift Space Telescope in 2026

A private company, Katalyst Space Technologies, will launch a spacecraft in 2026 to boost NASA's Swift Observatory's orbit, marking the first time a private craft has serviced a U.S. government satellite, aiming to extend the telescope's operational life and enhance its gamma-ray burst research capabilities.

via Space|

#2026-mission #nasa #orbital-boost

science4 months ago•1 min saved

NASA Seeks Ideas to Elevate Swift's Orbit

NASA is seeking suggestions to raise the orbit of the Swift Observatory, launched in 2004, which is at risk of re-entry due to orbital decay. The agency is exploring commercial technologies, including Starfish Space's inspection tech, to boost Swift's altitude and extend its mission, potentially setting a precedent for preserving other LEO assets.

via Hackaday|

#leo #nasa #orbit-boost

science5 months ago•3 min saved

NASA Considers Private Partners to Extend Swift Observatory's Mission

NASA is exploring options to extend the life of the Swift Observatory by developing a potential orbit boost, amid concerns about its orbital decay and upcoming end of mission due to budget cuts and solar activity. The agency has engaged two companies to study reboost concepts, which could also benefit other spacecraft like the Hubble Telescope. The project aims to demonstrate innovative in-space servicing technologies and maintain American leadership in space science.

via theregister.com|

#nasa #orbit-boost #science

space1 year ago•4 min saved

"NASA Halts Swift Gamma-Ray Space Telescope Operations"

NASA has temporarily suspended science observations by the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory due to the deteriorating performance of one of its gyroscopes. The space telescope, which studies gamma-ray bursts, was placed into safe mode on March 15, and its onboard flight software needs a patch to operate properly in two-gyroscope mode. Despite this setback, Swift has made significant discoveries in its almost 20 years of operation, including the detection of the "Brightest Of All Time" gamma-ray burst and a black hole in a distant galaxy. Scientists are eager for the pioneering space telescope to resume operations and reveal new high-energy aspects of the universe.

via Space.com|

#astrophysics #gamma-ray-bursts #nasa

spacescience1 year ago•2 min saved

"NASA's Patch to Resolve Swift's Gyro Issue"

NASA's Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory has entered safe mode due to degradation in one of its three gyroscopes, requiring a software update to continue with two remaining gyros. The spacecraft, launched in 2004, studies gamma-ray bursts and is facing an uncertain future, with extended mission operations only running through FY2025. The spacecraft's instruments include the Burst Alert Telescope, X-ray telescope, and Ultraviolet/Optical telescope. NASA is working on a patch to address the gyro issue, but science operations are expected to be limited until the patch is successfully deployed.

via The Register|

#gamma-ray-bursts #gyro-issue #nasa