Katalyst Space Technologies has launched its Link spacecraft on a mission to rendezvous with and rescue NASA's aging Swift observatory. The air-launched rocket lifted off from the Pacific Ocean on Independence Day weekend.
The nearly half-ton Link satellite deployed successfully into orbit after an air-launched Pegasus XL rocket released it at 4:36 am EDT on Friday. Ground teams confirmed communications with the spacecraft shortly after the nearly 13-minute ascent.
The mission aims to boost Swift's altitude before it falls too low in October. Katalyst won a NASA contract last September to build and launch the first-of-its-kind rescue effort in under a year.
Over the coming weeks, Link will perform checkout procedures and approach the 21-year-old observatory. Robotic arms will capture Swift, and plasma thrusters will raise its orbit over several months.
"This is a historic mission," said Robert Lamontagne, vice president of strategic partnerships at Katalyst. "It's doing an operational, real-world objective."
