NASA has awarded two companies, Cambrian Works and Katalyst Space Technologies, $150,000 each to develop concept design studies on boosting the orbit of the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory spacecraft. The studies will help determine whether an orbit boost is feasible, potentially extending the mission or replacing its capabilities with a new satellite.
Starfish Space will also study the use of its Small Spacecraft Propulsion and Inspection Capability technology to perform the orbit boost. The capability is currently in development under a Phase III SBIR award.
The Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, launched in 2004, has been instrumental in monitoring changes in the universe, primarily focusing on gamma-ray bursts and sending data to other telescopes for further observation. With its low Earth orbit decaying due to solar activity, NASA is exploring options to extend the mission and boost space innovation.
Source: https://www.executivegov.com/articles/nasa-swift-obervatory-orbit-boost-studies