This week, Katalyst Space conducted in-space tests and maneuvers with its robotic servicing spacecraft, LINK. Although NASA and Katalyst scaled back plans for LINK to boost the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory due to issues with attitude control, Katalyst continues to showcase LINK’s capabilities to gather data for future spacecraft servicing technologies.
Recently, Katalyst elevated LINK’s orbit and aligned it with Swift’s. The team successfully deployed all three robotic arms and activated all electric propulsion thrusters simultaneously. LINK approached within 7.5 to 9 miles of Swift and will not get closer during its remaining operations; it is expected to deorbit in 2 to 3 weeks.
For more updates, you can follow the Swift blog: Swift Blog.
Published on September 4, 2026.
