Kartavya Kant Tiwari

NASA is working with American companies to explore the possibility of raising the orbit of the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, a space telescope that has studied the high-energy universe since 2004. The effort aims to demonstrate orbital boost technology, extend Swift's scientific life, and advance U.S. space servicing capabilities. Two firms—Cambrian Works of Virginia and Katalyst Space Technologies of Arizona—will develop concept designs under the agency's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program. Increased solar activity has accelerated Swift's orbital decay, creating both urgency and opportunity for this mission. NASA Taps U.S. Industry to Study Swift Orbit Boost, Extend Mission, and Advance Space Servicing According to NASA, the concept studies will help determine if boosting Swift's orbit is more cost-effective than replacing its capabilities with a new observatory. The spacecraft's decaying low-Earth orbit, worsened by heightened atmospheric drag, po...