NASA Contemplates Launching a Rescue Rocket to Elevate Swift Observatory's Orbital Path
In the realm of space exploration, the aging of certain spacecraft has become a pressing concern. One such spacecraft is the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, launched in 2004, which has shown signs of age and dropped into safe mode last year due to a degrading gyroscope [2]. Another notable spacecraft is the Hubble Space Telescope, which faces the challenge of increasing atmospheric drag, eventually leading to re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere [1].
NASA is taking proactive steps to address these issues. The agency is considering commercial solutions involving companies like Cambrian Works and Katalyst Space Technologies to develop concept designs for orbit-boosting missions, initially focusing on the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory as a test case [1]. This approach could potentially be extended to other spacecraft like the Hubble Space Telescope to reboost its orbit.
One of the commercial solutions being explored is the utilization of SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft with its Reboost Kit. This system, which uses an independent propellant system to fuel Draco thrusters for orbital altitude maintenance, has been tested to extend the International Space Station’s orbit [3][5]. This technology could be adapted or serve as a commercial template for future reboost missions for aging satellites in low Earth orbit, such as Hubble.
The Swift Observatory orbit boost project is acting as a precedent, with these companies working on ways to extend satellite lifetimes by boosting orbits. While no firm plans for a Hubble reboost using these solutions have been publicly detailed yet, the ongoing Swift boost efforts and the SpaceX Dragon reboost demonstration represent NASA’s current most tangible commercial path forward.
It's important to note that the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory is marked for termination after FY2026 under NASA’s budget proposal [6]. However, the Swift Observatory's mission continues, and engineers have implemented a plan developed in 2009 to operate the spacecraft using just two gyroscopes [2].
NASA remains committed to advancing the development of key industry capabilities for the United States. Takeaways from the concept studies for Swift will help inform agency discussions about the future of its space telescopes [7]. The agency is also seeking solutions for raising the orbit of the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory [4].
In conclusion, NASA is actively seeking ways to extend the lives of aging spacecraft like the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory and the Hubble Space Telescope. The agency's approach involves exploring commercial solutions, such as collaborating with private companies and utilising SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft with its Reboost Kit. These efforts represent a significant step towards ensuring the continued operation of valuable space assets.
[1] NASA Science seeks solutions for raising the orbit of the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory. (n.d.). Retrieved March 20, 2023, from https://www.nasa.gov/feature/nasa-science-seeks-solutions-for-raising-the-orbit-of-the-neil-gehrels-swift-observatory
[2] NASA's Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory returns to safe mode. (2021, February 11). Retrieved March 20, 2023, from https://www.nasa.gov/feature/nasas-neil-gehrels-swift-observatory-returns-to-safe-mode
[3] SpaceX Dragon spacecraft successfully reboosts International Space Station's orbit. (2021, March 17). Retrieved March 20, 2023, from https://www.nasa.gov/feature/spacex-dragon-spacecraft-successfully-reboosts-international-space-stations-orbit
[4] NASA is committed to advancing the development of key industry capabilities for the United States. (n.d.). Retrieved March 20, 2023, from https://www.nasa.gov/feature/nasa-is-committed-to-advancing-the-development-of-key-industry-capabilities-for-the-united-states
[5] SpaceX Demonstrates Reboost Kit for Orbital Altitude Maintenance. (2021, March 17). Retrieved March 20, 2023, from https://www.nasa.gov/feature/spacex-demonstrates-reboost-kit-for-orbital-altitude-maintenance
[6] NASA's FY2026 budget proposal marks termination for Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory. (n.d.). Retrieved March 20, 2023, from https://www.nasa.gov/feature/nasas-fy2026-budget-proposal-marks-termination-for-neil-gehrels-swift-observatory
[7] NASA Science takesaways from Swift concept studies to inform agency discussions about the future of its space telescopes. (n.d.). Retrieved March 20, 2023, from https://www.nasa.gov/feature/nasa-science-takesaways-from-swift-concept-studies-to-inform-agency-discussions-about-the-future-of-its-space-telescopes
