NASA is preparing a first-of-its-kind mission to rescue the Swift space telescope, launched in 2004 to study gamma-ray bursts. The telescope, still operational after 22 years, is slowly descending due to atmospheric drag and recent solar storms, dropping from 600km to 400km altitude. Below 300km, re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere becomes increasingly likely, potentially leading to its destruction within months. NASA contracted Katalyst Space to develop a rescue plan involving an uncrewed spacecraft named Link, which will act as a “space tug” to boost Swift to a higher orbit. The mission is complex, as Swift wasn’t designed for docking, requiring Link to use robotic arms to attach and maneuver the telescope. Despite the risks, NASA views the mission as worthwhile, acknowledging the improbability of success but emphasizing the potential to save a valuable scientific instrument.