Katalyst Space Technologies reported that LINK reentered Earth’s atmosphere on September 25, 2026, after 85 days in orbit. LINK had been sent to capture the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory and raise its orbit, but the planned capture and orbit-raising phase was abandoned. NASA’s September 25 update put Swift at about 325 kilometers altitude, with more difficult operations expected below 300 kilometers in early to mid-October.
LINK reentered after the rescue phase ended
LINK’s reentry was separate from Swift’s. In its September 25 update, NASA described Swift as still in orbit. NASA astrophysics division director Shawn Domagal-Goldman said Swift was expected to reenter by the end of 2026 without intervention.
Why the planned capture did not happen
Katalyst said an electrical power system fault left two of LINK’s three reaction wheels unavailable. With those wheels out of operation, LINK relied more on reaction-control thrusters to control its orientation, increasing propellant use. The spacecraft no longer had enough fuel to carry out the planned capture and orbit raise safely.
LINK’s close-approach technology demonstration
After the rescue phase was abandoned, NASA and Katalyst continued with a technology demonstration. NASA reported that LINK came within 7.5 to 9 miles (12 to 15 kilometers) of Swift, deployed three robotic arms and test-fired three electric-propulsion thrusters.
Swift’s September status and reentry forecast
NASA reported that Swift’s Burst Alert Telescope had resumed collecting data on September 18 and that the observatory resumed automated repointing on September 21. In its September 25 update, NASA placed Swift at about 325 kilometers altitude and estimated that operations would become more difficult below 300 kilometers, likely in early to mid-October. Science observations were expected to become more difficult at that threshold, and NASA forecast that Swift would reenter by the end of 2026 without intervention.
