NASA Prepares Airborne Launch to Reboost Swift Observatory

NASA is preparing an airborne mission to extend the operational lifespan of the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory. The observatory's orbit has been decaying faster than expected due to recent solar activity, necessitating a reboost. A Pegasus XL rocket, carried by a Stargazer aircraft, will launch the LINK spacecraft later this month to stabilize Swift's orbit, demonstrating an innovative approach to satellite maintenance.