Katalyst Space Stabilizes LINK With Software Fix After 2 Reaction Wheels Failed
Updated
Updated · Gizmodo · Aug 12
Katalyst Space Stabilizes LINK With Software Fix After 2 Reaction Wheels Failed
3 articles · Updated · Gizmodo · Aug 12
Summary
A flight software update has steadied Katalyst Space’s LINK servicing craft after a late-July attitude-control failure left it tumbling and threatened its mission to reach NASA’s Swift observatory.
Two of LINK’s three reaction wheels failed, and engineers first used the spacecraft’s plasma engines to slow the spin before uploading new control algorithms that rely on its remaining actuators.
NASA said the team will now monitor LINK as it begins burns and maneuvers in the coming days to align its orbit with Swift for a planned capture and orbit-raising attempt.
Swift, launched in 2004, is now orbiting at about 347 kilometers and faces a 50% chance of uncontrolled reentry by mid-2026; NASA wants LINK to reach it before it drops near 300 kilometers.