NASA's ambitious mission to boost the orbit of the Swift satellite is encountering unexpected challenges due to failures in the Link spacecraft's reaction wheels. Preliminary investigations reveal that two of Link's three reaction wheels are currently inoperable.

Despite the setbacks, NASA officials consider the mission a success already, citing the rapid development and launch of the Link satellite by Katalyst within a nine-month timeline. This rescue mission also serves as a technology demonstration and a test for the commercial satellite servicing industry.

Katalyst's Link spacecraft continues to generate sufficient electrical power and maintain communication, providing engineers time to devise a solution. The team plans to update Link's guidance, navigation, and control systems to adapt to the new configuration and then reassess plans for approaching and capturing Swift, prioritizing safety and Link's operational status.