# LINK > servicing spacecraft developed by Katalyst Space Technologies to reorbit the Swift Observatory **Wikidata**: [Q138543977](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q138543977) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/link ## Summary LINK is a servicing spacecraft developed by Katalyst Space Technologies to reorbit the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, a mission proposed to extend the telescope's operational life. The spacecraft is designed to refuel, repair, or boost the orbit of another spacecraft, and it will be launched no later than 2026 using a Pegasus rocket. ## Key Facts - **Class**: Servicing spacecraft (designed for refueling, repairing, or reorbiting other spacecraft) - **Mass**: Approximately 350 kilograms - **Power Source**: Spacecraft solar array (2 arrays) - **Manufacturer**: Katalyst Space Technologies - **Operators**: Katalyst Space Technologies and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) - **Launch Vehicle**: Pegasus (F49 variant) - **Launch Date**: No later than 2026 - **Launch Site**: Stargazer (Kwajalein Atoll) - **Destination**: Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory - **Launch Contractor**: Northrop Grumman Space Systems - **Country of Origin**: United States ## FAQs ### Q: What is the purpose of the LINK spacecraft? A: LINK is designed to reorbit the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, extending its operational life by adjusting its orbit. It is part of a servicing mission to maintain or enhance the telescope's functionality. ### Q: Who is developing and operating LINK? A: LINK is developed by Katalyst Space Technologies and operated in collaboration with NASA. Northrop Grumman Space Systems is the launch contractor. ### Q: What rocket will launch LINK? A: LINK will be launched using the Pegasus rocket (F49 variant) from the Stargazer aircraft, taking off from Kwajalein Atoll. ### Q: When is LINK expected to launch? A: The mission is planned for no later than 2026, with the exact date pending further developments. ### Q: What makes LINK unique compared to other servicing spacecraft? A: LINK is notable for its use of the Pegasus rocket, which is an air-launched vehicle, and for its focus on reorbiting the Swift Observatory, which is a high-priority NASA mission. ## Why It Matters LINK represents a significant advancement in spacecraft servicing technology, addressing the growing need for in-orbit maintenance and extension of satellite missions. The Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, a key NASA mission for studying gamma-ray bursts and other high-energy phenomena, is at risk of deorbiting due to atmospheric drag. By reorbiting the telescope, LINK could extend its operational life, ensuring continued scientific contributions. This mission also demonstrates the potential for private companies like Katalyst Space Technologies to play a role in NASA's broader servicing and repair efforts, potentially opening new avenues for commercial space services. ## Notable For - **First Use of Pegasus for Servicing Mission**: LINK marks the first time the Pegasus rocket is used for a servicing mission, leveraging its air-launched capability. - **Collaboration with NASA**: The mission involves a partnership between a private company and NASA, highlighting the growing role of commercial entities in space operations. - **Critical for Swift Observatory**: The mission is essential for maintaining the Swift Observatory's scientific capabilities, which are vital for studying cosmic events. - **Air-Launched Launch**: The use of the Stargazer aircraft and Pegasus rocket provides a flexible and cost-effective launch solution for this mission. ## Body ### Overview LINK is a proposed servicing spacecraft designed to reorbit the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, a NASA mission launched in 2004. The spacecraft is being developed by Katalyst Space Technologies, with support from NASA, and is intended to extend the telescope's operational life by adjusting its orbit to counteract atmospheric drag. ### Design and Specifications LINK has a mass of approximately 350 kilograms and is powered by two spacecraft solar arrays. It is classified as a servicing spacecraft, capable of refueling, repairing, or reorbiting other spacecraft. The mission is part of a broader effort to maintain and enhance the functionality of existing space assets. ### Launch and Deployment LINK will be launched no later than 2026 using the Pegasus rocket (F49 variant). The launch will take place from the Stargazer aircraft, which will take off from Kwajalein Atoll. Northrop Grumman Space Systems is the launch contractor for the mission. ### Mission Objectives The primary objective of the LINK mission is to reorbit the Swift Observatory, ensuring its continued operation and scientific contributions. The mission addresses the risk of the telescope deorbiting due to atmospheric drag, which poses a threat to its functionality. ### Significance LINK is significant for several reasons. It represents a first for the use of the Pegasus rocket in a servicing mission, demonstrating the versatility of air-launched rockets. The mission also highlights the growing role of private companies in supporting NASA's broader space operations. Additionally, it underscores the importance of in-orbit servicing and maintenance for extending the life of critical space assets. ## References 1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/swift-rescue-mission.htm) 2. [Source](https://www.katalystspace.com/post/katalyst-selects-northrop-grumman-pegasus-rocket-for-robotic-rescue-mission) 3. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_lau_det/pegasus-xl.htm) 4. [Source](https://spacenews.com/katalyst-selects-pegasus-to-launch-swift-reboost-mission/)