BREMEN, Germany—A promising startup, Katalyst Space Technologies, is set to use the Pegasus rocket to help NASA keep its Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory operational. The mission aims to boost Swift’s orbit, preventing it from reentering Earth’s atmosphere.
Katalyst announced on November 19 that they will launch a spacecraft designed to reboost Swift. This launch is scheduled for no later than mid-2026. NASA has awarded Katalyst a $30 million contract to handle the launch and the technology demonstration for satellite servicing.
The choice of the Pegasus rocket comes from Swift’s unique orbit, which orbits at about 21 degrees to avoid the South Atlantic Anomaly. This angle makes it challenging for most smaller rockets to reach the necessary altitude without excessive fuel. Kieran Wilson, Katalyst’s vice president of technology, mentioned that traditional launch sites like Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg often aren’t suitable for this mission due to the required propellant.
Timing is crucial for this mission. Wilson emphasized the importance of using a reliable launch vehicle to ensure they can reach Swift in time. Cost is another significant factor. Katalyst needed a solution that fits within the budget set by NASA, and Pegasus was found to be more affordable than other options like the Falcon 9 rocket. Kurt Eberly from Northrop Grumman stated they provided Katalyst with a competitive price for Pegasus.
Northrop Grumman has a Pegasus XL rocket ready for this mission, which will launch from the Reagan Test Site at Kwajalein Atoll. This site is advantageous because it’s close to the Equator, making access to Swift’s orbit easier. Despite having only launched three times in the last decade, the Pegasus program remains prepared. Eberly mentioned that their L-1011 carrier aircraft, named Stargazer, is the last of its kind still flying and has maintained its operational status through various tests.
Katalyst is also on track with the development of their Link spacecraft, which is designed for further satellite servicing missions. Wilson pointed out that this current mission leads to useful technologies for future operations in geostationary orbit. The company had already been planning a satellite demonstration mission in 2026 when NASA’s reboost opportunity came up.
Interestingly, even though no more Pegasus XL rockets are currently available, Eberly said Northrop is open to producing new ones if demand arises. “The tools and production capabilities are still in place,” he noted. This flexibility speaks to the evolving nature of space missions and the ongoing interest in satellite servicing technology.
As of recent trends, there’s growing interest on social media regarding satellite servicing missions as they promise to extend the lifespan of important space infrastructure. Many see this as a step toward more sustainable space operations, where technologies can be reused or repaired rather than abandoned after their initial mission. With experts believing satellite servicing will play a key role in the future of space exploration, Katalyst’s mission could set a precedent for others to follow.
For more insights on satellite technology and NASA’s missions, check out the NASA Innovation Center.
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