NASA invites media to view Katalyst mission ahead of Swift Observatory servicing launch
Northrop Grumman’s Pegasus XL rocket carrying the Katalyst mission will be on display at Wallops Flight Facility on June 17, with a launch scheduled for later that month.
NASA is inviting media to its Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia on Wednesday, June 17, to view the Northrop Grumman Pegasus XL rocket carrying the Katalyst robotic spacecraft. The mission features a robotic servicing vehicle named LINK, which is scheduled to launch in June to rendezvous with NASA’s Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory. The objective is to raise the observatory’s orbit, thereby extending the telescope’s science mission lifespan.
The Swift mission, which launched in 2004, leads NASA’s fleet of space telescopes in studying changes in the high-energy universe. It focuses on gamma-ray bursts, which are the most powerful explosions in the universe, as well as other cosmic objects and events. When rapid, sudden events occur in the cosmos, Swift acts as a dispatcher, providing critical information that allows other first responder missions to follow up.
Media may apply for onsite credentials to view the Pegasus XL rocket and the L-1011 Stargazer aircraft that will deploy it. In addition to interview opportunities on site, media will receive images and video of LINK, which is already encapsulated in the rocket. An audio-only media teleconference will also be held on June 17 to preview the mission, with audio streaming live on NASA’s YouTube channel.
Accreditation requests must be sent to Amy Barra at [email protected]. The application deadline for U.S. citizens to attend in person is 4 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, June 10. International media without U.S. citizenship must apply by 3 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, May 27.
Details regarding the timing and participants of the media teleconference will be shared closer to the event. Information about the mission to boost Swift’s orbit is available on NASA’s science website.
