NASA Plans Orbital Rescue Mission for Aging Swift Observatory

NASA is preparing for a mission on June 30, 2026, to save the 22-year-old Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory from atmospheric decay. The Swift Boost mission will use the LINK satellite to grapple and tow the observatory to a higher, stable orbit, extending its operational life by a decade. This effort aims to preserve the observatory's unique scientific capabilities and demonstrate crucial in-space servicing technology for future missions.