Windhoek:According to Namibia Press Agency , Katalyst Space Technologies announced that its robotic spacecraft LINK has deorbited and reentered Earth's atmosphere. The spacecraft's mission was to approach, capture, and elevate the orbit of NASA's Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory.

Originally launched on July 3, LINK faced an issue with its attitude control during commissioning. Engineers managed to regain partial control using thrusters and a remaining reaction wheel, although this increased fuel consumption.

Due to insufficient fuel, Katalyst and NASA decided against proceeding with the planned capture and orbit-raising phase. Instead, LINK focused on system exercises and gathering data on rendezvous and proximity operations.

The spacecraft approached within 12 to 15 km of the Swift Observatory and conducted engineering tests, including testing its three robotic arms and simulating capture operations.

LINK remained operational in orbit for 85 days, providing valuable flight data and operational experience for future spacecraft development.

Katalyst was awarded the mission contract in September 2025 and successfully designed, built, tested, and launched LINK within nine months, as part of a $30 million mission.