NASA's orbital rescue mission hits a snag as service robot spins out

The LINK spacecraft, designed to rendezvous with the 2004-era observatory, encountered critical hardware failures over the weekend. According to NASA, two of the three reaction wheels responsible for stabilization are offline, coupled with complications in the thruster system. This loss of attitude control has caused the craft to spin, periodically breaking its communications link with ground stations.

Flight controllers are currently attempting to stabilize the vehicle using secondary thrusters. While initial maneuvers to dampen the spin are reportedly showing the intended effect, the situation highlights the volatility of the mission’s accelerated development schedule. Chief engineer Kieran Wilson previously acknowledged the high-stakes nature of the project, noting that the rapid build-out left little margin for error compared to traditional, longer-cycle space programs. The mission remains a key test for Katalyst Space, which recently secured $12 million in funding to pursue satellite servicing and surveillance capabilities for both commercial and military clients.