The US space agency is exploring a technology demonstration to boost the orbit of its aging gamma-ray burst observatory, Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory. Two American companies, Cambrian Works and Katalyst Space Technologies, will develop concept design studies for a possible orbit boost.
Swift launched in 2004 and has been a key player in NASA’s fleet of space telescopes, providing new insights into the universe over the past two decades. However, its low Earth orbit is decaying rapidly due to increased atmospheric drag caused by recent solar activity. This presents an opportunity for NASA to advance US industry capabilities while potentially extending the science lifetime of the Swift mission.
The concept studies are being developed under Phase III awards through NASA’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program, managed by the agency’s Space Technology Mission Directorate. The program allows NASA to rapidly explore affordable possibilities to boost Swift on a shorter development timeline than would otherwise be possible.
While NASA does not have plans for an orbit boost mission at this time, studying potential options could provide valuable insights for future applications. If implemented, the technology demonstration could prove useful in inspecting multiple US-owned defunct satellites in low Earth orbit, as part of Starfish Space’s Small Spacecraft Propulsion and Inspection Capability (SSPICY) demonstration.
The NASA SBIR program is part of America’s Seed Fund, providing early-stage funding for innovative technologies. The two companies awarded $150,000 under Phase III SBIR contracts for concept design studies will help determine whether extending Swift’s critical scientific capabilities would be more cost-effective than replacing those capabilities with a new observatory.
Source: https://www.nasa.gov/missions/swift/nasa-explores-industry-possibilities-to-raise-swift-missions-orbit