The Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, operational since 2004 as a key instrument for studying gamma-ray bursts and early universe formation, is facing imminent destruction due to orbital decay triggered by recent solar storms. At its current altitude of 224 miles, the satellite is in danger of burning up in Earth's atmosphere within the year, prompting NASA to act with urgency.

NASA contracted Katalyst Space Technologies to mount a rescue mission, deploying the Link spacecraft to rendezvous with Swift and mechanically raise its orbit by roughly 150 miles. The operation is remarkable for its compressed timeline—the entire mission was conceived, designed, and launched in just nine months at a cost of $30 million, reflecting the critical need to save the $500 million observatory before it falls beyond recovery.