NASA will showcase a mission to extend the lifespan of its Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, with media invited to Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia on June 17. Northrop Grumman's Pegasus XL rocket will carry a Katalyst robotic spacecraft designed to boost Swift's orbit.
The Katalyst robotic servicing spacecraft, named LINK, is scheduled for a June launch. It will rendezvous with Swift to raise its altitude, thereby prolonging the science mission. This orbital adjustment aims to keep the observatory operational for an extended period.
Media Access and Teleconference Details
Both U.S. and international media can apply for onsite credentials to observe the Pegasus rocket and the L-1011 Stargazer aircraft, which will deploy the rocket at launch. Interview opportunities will be available, and media will receive images and video of LINK, already encapsulated within the rocket.
NASA and Katalyst will also host an audio-only media teleconference on June 17 to preview the mission. The teleconference will stream live on NASA's YouTube channel, with timing and participant details to be released closer to the event.
Accreditation Deadlines for Swift Orbit Boost Mission
Both U.S.
U.S. citizens have until 4 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, June 10, to apply for in-person attendance. International media without U.S. citizenship must submit applications by 3 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, May 27. Media seeking accreditation or wishing to join the teleconference should send requests to Amy Barra at amy.l.barra@nasa.gov.
Launched in 2004, the Swift mission leads NASA's space telescope fleet in studying the high-energy universe. It observes gamma-ray bursts, the universe's most powerful explosions, and other cosmic phenomena. Swift acts as a "dispatcher," providing crucial data for other missions to investigate cosmic events, furthering understanding of how the universe functions.
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