Overview
- Katalyst will send its Link servicing spacecraft on Northrop Grumman’s Pegasus XL from the Reagan Test Site at Kwajalein using the Stargazer L‑1011.
- NASA’s $30 million SBIR Phase 3 fixed‑price award covers the mission, including launch, placing procurement responsibility on Katalyst.
- Northrop says a stored Pegasus will fly, with teams maintaining readiness despite the rocket’s last launch in 2021.
- Swift’s ~21° inclination and a tight timeline left few options, with Pegasus cited as able to reach the plane and priced below a dedicated Falcon 9.
- NASA puts the chance of an uncontrolled reentry at about 50% by mid‑2026 and 90% by year’s end without a timely reboost.