An image released by Katalyst Space Technologies showing a deployed solar panel on its Link spacecraft, launched July 3. Credit: Katalyst Space Technologies
WASHINGTON — A spacecraft launched nearly a month ago in a high-risk bid to boost the orbit of a NASA astrophysics satellite is suffering from attitude control problems that could jeopardize its mission.
In a July 28 update posted on social media, Katalyst Space Technologies said its Link spacecraft, launched July 3, was in a “multi-axis spin” caused by attitude control issues that also affected spacecraft communications.
“During commissioning, the Katalyst team encountered a series of technical issues related to attitude control of the spacecraft,” the company stated. “Over the last 72 hours, the LINK spacecraft has been in a multi-axis spin, causing a temporary loss of communications and subsequent bus reset.”
The company said that two of the three reaction wheels on Link, used for attitude control, were not functioning and that the spacecraft’s reaction control system thrusters were only partially working.
