Cambrian Works selects Astroscale US as its mission partner for NASA Swift Observatory Boost Mission Concept Study

Cambrian Works has selected Astroscale US as its mission partner for a 30-day NASA study to develop a comprehensive concept of operations and implementation plan for a potential commercial mission to raise the orbit of the agency’s Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory. The mission concept study will provide NASA with a technically credible, operationally executable and rapidly developed solution to extend the spacecraft’s mission life. 

“The Cambrian-Astroscale US solution will combine our patent-pending electric Thin Attachment Pad (eTAP™) technology — a space-rated, reusable subsystem that can attach to any spacecraft surface without prior modification for flexible, non-invasive servicing — with Astroscale’s proven expertise and on-orbit success in rendezvous, proximity operations, docking and mission integration,” said Dr. Victor Aguero, Cambrian Works Co-Founder, CEO and CTO. “Together, we offer NASA a credible, near-term path to extend the Swift Observatory’s mission while demonstrating US-led commercial servicing capabilities.” 

Ron Lopez, President of Astroscale US, agreed: “The Cambrian–Astroscale US partnership represents the growing strength of the US commercial space servicing sector. A successful Swift orbit boost would not only extend the mission of one of NASA’s most productive science assets, but also serve as a demonstration of US-developed, commercially led capabilities that can be applied to future government and commercial spacecraft.”