NASA Awards $30M Contract to Katalyst Space to Save Swift Satellite
NASA has awarded a $30 million contract to Katalyst Space to boost the orbit of the Swift spacecraft, which is expected to make an uncontrolled reentry in the second half of 2026. This move is seen as a more affordable and beneficial approach than replacing its capabilities with a new mission.
Katalyst, based in Flagstaff, Arizona, has not flown its own mission but acquired Atomos Space in April 2024. Atomos Space successfully flew a mission in March 2024 to test rendezvous, docking, and refueling technologies. Now, Katalyst plans to start spacecraft assembly, integration, and testing in December 2025, aiming to deliver the spacecraft in less than eight months. The mission, fully funded by the $30 million contract including launch, is estimated to cost around $10 million. Katalyst will send a spacecraft to dock with Swift and raise its orbit using a low Earth orbit demonstrator of its planned LINK geostationary servicing spacecraft. This is one of two study contracts awarded by NASA to examine the feasibility of raising Swift's orbit, with the other going to a team led by Astroscale U.S. and Cambrian Works.
The Swift spacecraft's orbit boost mission, led by Katalyst Space, is set to begin in late 2025. If successful, it will extend the life of the spacecraft and demonstrate the feasibility of orbit raising as a cost-effective alternative to launching new missions.
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