NASA Calls Off Robotic Reboost Mission for Swift Telescope

NASA has canceled a planned mission in which the LINK probe would have used robotic arms to grab the Swift space observatory and raise it to a safer orbit, after control system problems [2]. Swift, launched into operation in 2004 with a planned two-year mission, studies gamma-ray bursts and lacks propulsion able to significantly raise its own orbit, leaving it near the end of its life [2]. NASA separately scheduled expert talks in its exhibit hall booths at SmallSat 2026 beginning Monday, August 24 [1].

Sources

1. science.nasa.gov · SmallSat 2026 Aug 20, 2026
2. wired.com · NASA Cancels Its Rescue Mission for the Aging Swift Telescope Aug 22, 2026

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