A rescue mission is launched to save NASA’s Swift Observatory, which is expected to re-enter the atmosphere. Multiple reports say a three-armed spacecraft operated by Katalyst Space Technologies is lifted into orbit to reach and capture the aging telescope and raise its altitude. Northrop Grumman launched the Link spacecraft from the Marshall Islands in the Pacific, using a Pegasus rocket that takes off from the belly of a modified aircraft. The mission targets Swift Observatory, which was launched in 2004. According to the reports, Swift’s orbit is decaying faster than expected, and recent solar storms are cited as contributing to the increased atmospheric drag. The Link spacecraft is expected to rendezvous with Swift and begin capture and boosting operations about a month after launch. NASA is paying about $30 million for Katalyst’s services to capture the satellite and adjust its orbit so it can continue its mission observing major cosmic events, including energetic explosions. The effort is presented as a time-critical intervention to prevent an uncontrolled return to Earth.