# NASA ends plan to raise Swift observatory after servicing craft problems

_Wednesday, August 19, 2026 at 5:43 PM EDT · Capital · Latest · Tier 2 — Notable_

![NASA ends plan to raise Swift observatory after servicing craft problems — Primary](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/03MkKORK3aL9FEMv9UrmakT/hero-image.fill.size_1200x675.v1787174933.webp)

NASA has ended its planned mission to capture and raise the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory after continuing attitude-control problems with Katalyst Space Technologies' LINK servicing craft. LINK launched July 3 to push Swift about 150 miles higher, but officials said it will not perform the capture and boost. NASA expects Swift to burn up in Earth's atmosphere in coming months. Katalyst still plans a close flyby to test navigation and docking techniques.

## Sources

- [Mashable](https://mashable.com/science/nasa-swift-boost-mission-failed)

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Retrieved: 2026-08-20T01:31:04.609Z
Publisher: Tech & Business (techandbusiness.org)