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Katalyst

Coverage of Katalyst in the Nexus archive.

Earliest in view: May 27 · 15:07 UTCMost recent: Jun 30 · 15:39 UTC
Co-mentioned in this coverage
NASAorganization2Swift space telescopetopic1Regina Caputoperson1Shawn Domagal-Goldmanperson1Pegasustopic1Neil Gehrels Swift Observatorytopic1Swift observatoryorganization1Michael Shoemakerperson1Goddard Space Flight Centerorganization1solar maximumtopic1Earth's atmospheretopic1reboost missiontopic1
Recent coverage
  • SCIENCEJun 30 · 15:39 UTCDAWN
    Nasa plans robotic mission to save ageing space telescope

    NASA is launching a robotic mission to rescue the ageing Swift space telescope from atmospheric re-entry. The mission, developed by startup Katalyst, involves a robot retrieving the telescope and moving it to a stable orbit to prevent destruction. Launch was delayed due to weather, with a new attempt scheduled for July 1.

  • SCIENCEMay 27 · 15:07 UTCTHE REGISTER
    Swift thinking buys NASA observatory a little more time before re-entry

    NASA's decision to halt science operations on the Swift observatory has delayed its re-entry from July to September 2026. Increased atmospheric drag due to the Sun's solar maximum phase accelerated orbital decay forecasts, prompting a reboost mission by Katalyst. Adjusting the spacecraft's orientation to minimize drag has extended its operational window, allowing more time for the rescue mission.