Swift Boost Mission

Circle Image

Overview

Destination: Low Earth Orbit
Mission: Mission Extension

Low Earth Orbit Kwajalein Atoll Air launch to orbit

Contracted by NASA under the Small Business Innovation Research Phase 3 contract, Katalyst Space Technologies' LINK servicing spacecraft will rendezvous and attach to NASA’s Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory to re-boost its orbit. This aims to demonstrate a key capability for the future of space exploration and extending the Swift mission’s science lifetime in gamma ray astronomy.

Updates

Cosmic_Penguin • June 18, 2026, 6:06 a.m.

GO for launch.


Cosmic_Penguin • Nov. 19, 2025, 4:01 p.m.

Added launch.


Cosmic_Penguin • June 30, 2026, 4:23 a.m.

Adjusted T-0.



Nosu • July 1, 2026, 11:52 a.m.

Delayed again due to weather


Pegasus XL

Family:
Configuration:

The Pegasus is an air-launched rocket developed by Orbital Sciences Corporation (now part of Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems). Capable of carrying small payloads of up to 443 kilograms (977 lb) into low Earth orbit, the vehicle consists of three solid propellant stages and an optional monopropellant fourth stage. Pegasus is released from its carrier aircraft at approximately 40,000 ft (12,000 m), and its first stage has a wing and a tail to provide lift and attitude control while in the atmosphere.

Specifications
  • Max Stage
    3
  • Length
    17.6 m
  • Diameter
    1.27 m
  • Fairing Diameter
    ―
  • Launch Mass
    23.0 T
  • Thrust
    580.0 kN
Family
  • Name
    Pegasus XL
  • Family
    ―
  • Variant
    ―
  • Alias
    ―
  • Full Name
    Pegasus XL
Payload Capacity
  • Launch Cost
    $40000000
  • Low Earth Orbit
    443.0 kg
  • Geostationary Transfer Orbit
    ―
  • Direct Geostationary
    ―
  • Sun-Synchronous Capacity
    ―

Orbital Sciences Corporation

Orbital Sciences Corporation

(OSC)

Successes: 65 Failures: 7 Pending: 0

Agency Type:

INFO WIKI
SpaceNews

NASA works to extend Swift’s life ahead of reboost mission

As preparations continue for a mission to raise the orbit of NASA’s Swift astrophysics spacecraft, project officials are also pursuing steps to extend the satellite’s life in case of delays. The post NASA works to extend Swift’s life ahea…

SpaceDaily

Swift observatory changes operations ahead of planned orbit reboost

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Feb 13, 2026 NASA has adjusted operations of the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory to reduce atmospheric drag and prepare the spacecraft for a planned orbit-raising mission. On Feb. 11 the mission team temporarily su…

SpaceNews

Swift spacecraft reorientation buys time for reboost mission

NASA modified operations of an astrophysics spacecraft in a decaying orbit to buy more time for a mission later this year that will attempt to raise its orbit. The post Swift spacecraft reorientation buys time for reboost mission appeared…

Spaceflight Now

Rescue mission for NASA’s $500 million space telescope passes key testing milestone

Katalyst Space Technologies’ Link spacecraft is set to head to orbit in June 2026 onboard Northrop Grumman’s Pegasus XL air-launched rocket. NASA awarded Katalyst a $30 million contract for the mission in September 2025.

NASA

NASA to Showcase Mission to Boost Swift Spacecraft’s Orbit

Media are invited to NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia on Wednesday, June 17, to view Northrop Grumman’s Pegasus XL rocket, carrying a Katalyst robotic spacecraft that will attempt to boost the orbit of NASA’s Neil Gehrels Swift O…

Air launch to orbit

Kwajalein Atoll


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