An orbital rescue spacecraft launched on July 3 to save NASA's decaying Swift Observatory has run into critical technical trouble.
The Link spacecraft entered an uncontrolled spin that disrupted communications and jeopardized the $30 million mission, according to Katalyst Space Technologies on July 28.
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The company disclosed that its Link spacecraft suffered attitude control failures during commissioning.
This resulted in a multi-axis spin over a 72-hour period, triggering a bus reset and temporary loss of communication.
The spin was caused by two non-functioning reaction wheels and partially working reaction control thrusters. Despite the current spin, key propulsion, robotic, and communications systems remain operational.
Engineers are executing gimbaled electric propulsion burns to stabilize the spacecraft.
"Over the coming days, Katalyst will work to reduce the body rates using the gimbaled electric propulsion thrusters and stabilize the spacecraft.
We have already begun this series of burns and are seeing the intended effect," the company stated.
Katalyst Space previously reported completing initial checkouts on July 15 and performing electric thruster test burns on July 24 to raise altitude by 2 kilometers.
The company also noted early efforts to stabilize the satellite using software updates.
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"During commissioning, the Katalyst team encountered a series of technical issues related to attitude control of the spacecraft," stated Katalyst Space Technologies.
"Over the last 72 hours, the LINK spacecraft has been in a multi-axis spin, causing a temporary loss of communications and subsequent bus reset."
