A private spacecraft launched to rescue an aging NASA space telescope has fallen back to Earth after failing in its mission, according to multiple outlets.
The spacecraft, named Link and described by the Guardian as 'America's first commercial space robot,' lifted off on July 3 from Kwajalein Atoll in the South Pacific islands, according to the Guardian. Its objective was to lift the orbit of the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, a NASA satellite, and extend its operational life, the Guardian reported.
The Guardian reported that a series of in-flight problems prevented Link from salvaging the observatory. The spacecraft's return to Earth on Friday concluded the failed mission.
According to the Guardian, the Swift Observatory's own demise is expected to follow within several weeks.
How each side covered it
Left
- The Guardian reported Link launched July 3 from Kwajalein Atoll in the South Pacific.
- The Guardian described Link as 'America's first commercial space robot.'
- Left-leaning outlets noted a series of in-flight problems caused the mission's failure.
- The Guardian reported the Swift Observatory itself is expected to fall to Earth within weeks.
“Spacecraft returns to Earth after rescue mission for ageing Nasa telescope fails” — The Guardian
Center
- NewsNation reported the private spacecraft failed to rescue the aging NASA telescope and fell back to Earth.
“Private spacecraft falls back to Earth after failing to rescue aging NASA telescope” — NewsNation
Right
- Right-leaning outlets reported the spacecraft failed to reach the NASA telescope and reentered Earth's atmosphere.
- Newsmax and Independent Journal Review both framed the event as a failed rescue attempt.
“Spacecraft Fails to Reach NASA Telescope, Falls to Earth” — Newsmax
Questions readers ask
What happened to the spacecraft Link?
Link, a private spacecraft launched to rescue NASA's aging Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, experienced a series of in-flight problems and fell back to Earth on Friday, according to the Guardian.
What was Link's mission?
Link, described as America's first commercial space robot, was launched on July 3 from Kwajalein Atoll to lift the orbit of NASA's Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory and extend its operational life, according to the Guardian.
What happens to the Swift Observatory now?
According to the Guardian, the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory is expected to fall back to Earth within several weeks following the failed rescue attempt.
Why does this event matter?
The mission was intended to test whether a commercial spacecraft could extend the life of an aging NASA satellite, but the failure means the Swift Observatory will complete its demise instead of continuing operations.
Sources · 6 outlet reports
- Associated PressLeft-leaningPrivate spacecraft falls back to Earth after failing to rescue aging NASA telescope
- The GuardianLeft-leaningSpacecraft returns to Earth after rescue mission for ageing Nasa telescope fails
- The HinduLeft-leaningPrivate spacecraft falls back to Earth after failing to rescue aging NASA telescope
- NewsNationCenterPrivate spacecraft falls back to Earth after failing to rescue aging NASA telescope
- Independent Journal ReviewRight-leaningSpacecraft reenters after failed bid to rescue aging NASA telescope
- NewsmaxRight-leaningSpacecraft Fails to Reach NASA Telescope, Falls to Earth