Reaction Wheel Failures Leave Swift Rescue Mission Spinning in Orbit The commercial satellite built to save NASA's Swift gamma ray telescope from a fiery reentry has itself become a cause for concern.
Nearly a month into its mission, the Link spacecraft, developed by Katalyst Space Technologies, is experiencing issues with its attitude control system. The problems stem from a malfunctioning reaction wheel system.
Reaction wheels are flywheels that help a spacecraft maintain its orientation in orbit. They're crucial components for satellites like the Link, which is tasked with rendezvousing with and stabilizing Swift's orbit.