tech
Reaction Wheel Failures Leave Swift Rescue Mission Spinning in Orbit
Preliminary investigation shows that two of Link’s three reaction wheels currently are not operable.
TL;DR
- The Link satellite, built to prevent NASA's Swift telescope from burning up in the atmosphere, has encountered attitude control problems.
- Two of Link's three reaction wheels are not working, and its cold gas thruster system has partial loss of functionality.
- These issues are causing the satellite to spin and resulting in sporadic communications.
- Katalyst is adapting by using the satellite's electric thrusters for attitude stabilization.
- The Swift telescope, essential for detecting gamma-ray bursts, lacks its own propulsion and is on track for reentry in the coming months.
- NASA is using this mission as a technology demonstration for commercial satellite servicing, despite the ongoing challenges.