NASA calls off LINK's capture and boost of Swift; craft will only practise approaching it

Katalyst Space/LINK

Because of LINK's ongoing attitude-control problem, NASA said the craft would not capture or boost Swift, but would still try rendezvous and close-approach tests. Without help, Swift is expected to reenter later in 2026 after 21 years of science.

• Decision announced Aug 19, 2026.
• LINK to fly rendezvous and proximity tests instead of capture.
• NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman: not the hoped-for outcome, but the mission was worth attempting.