NASA's First Private Observatory-Boosting Spacecraft Is Tumbling Out of Control

NASA and Katalyst Space confirmed LINK, the first private spacecraft hired to lift a NASA observatory, is tumbling out of control after two of three reaction wheels failed and a thruster system malfunctioned. Launched July 3 to boost the Swift gamma-ray telescope before an October "point of no return," LINK is spinning, disrupting communications. Controllers are attempting recovery via alternative thrusters; Katalyst reports "seeing the intended effect."