NASA launches $30M LINK mission

NASA is paying Katalyst Space $30 million to grab the aging Swift observatory, raise its orbit, and keep gamma-ray science online.

1. Frame 1NASA launches LINK under a $30M contract to catch Swift before solar-storm drag raises reentry risk.
2. Frame 2Swift has watched gamma-ray bursts since 2004, but thicker upper atmosphere now steals orbital speed.
3. Frame 3A Pegasus rocket dropped from a carrier jet over the Marshall Islands and sent LINK into orbit.
4. Frame 4LINK must rendezvous in about a month, then grab the 1.6-ton observatory with three robotic arms.
5. Frame 5The plan is to lift Swift from 224 miles up by about 150 miles without jolting the telescope.
6. Frame 6If the $30 million rescue works, Swift could restart science by September and set a Hubble precedent.