On-Orbit Checkouts in Progress for Mission to Boost NASA’s Swift

Commissioning is well underway for Katalyst’s robotic servicing spacecraft LINK, which is designed to boost the orbit of NASA’s Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory.

After a July 3 launch that delivered LINK into orbit as expected, the spacecraft remains healthy. The Katalyst team established contact with LINK that same day and began the process known as commissioning, in which they check out the spacecraft’s systems, make any adjustments needed based on how those systems are operating in orbit, and prepare the spacecraft for its mission.

The team quickly worked through a number of standard, early on-orbit procedures, including successful solar array deployment, delivery of power to the spacecraft, and establishing routine communications. They stabilized the spacecraft after an initial period of excess momentum and enabled autonomous momentum management. Katalyst is now checking out LINK’s subsystems, including its electric propulsion system, which involves firing the spacecraft’s three xenon-fueled thrusters.

The commissioning process is anticipated to take a few weeks, with flexibility built in to allow the team to pause, assess data, and adjust as needed. After the commissioning phase, LINK will begin its journey to meet and rendezvous with Swift. Monitor NASA’s Swift blog for continued updates:

https://science.nasa.gov/blogs/swift