44:I[185,["/_next/static/chunks/0sxns9k8ywops.js","/_next/static/chunks/11fk-1ie3w6mp.js","/_next/static/chunks/1uc4qdk4uj22c.js","/_next/static/chunks/0jvahffpql9nd.js","/_next/static/chunks/0agcep-t686m_.js","/_next/static/chunks/2_mrasy1s2owt.js","/_next/static/chunks/1nsk8jrr9fqe6.js"],"SendEmailButton"] 46:I[63625,["/_next/static/chunks/0sxns9k8ywops.js","/_next/static/chunks/11fk-1ie3w6mp.js","/_next/static/chunks/1uc4qdk4uj22c.js","/_next/static/chunks/0jvahffpql9nd.js","/_next/static/chunks/0agcep-t686m_.js","/_next/static/chunks/2_mrasy1s2owt.js","/_next/static/chunks/1nsk8jrr9fqe6.js"],"AddToLibraryButton"] 47:I[29721,["/_next/static/chunks/0sxns9k8ywops.js","/_next/static/chunks/11fk-1ie3w6mp.js","/_next/static/chunks/1uc4qdk4uj22c.js","/_next/static/chunks/0jvahffpql9nd.js","/_next/static/chunks/0agcep-t686m_.js","/_next/static/chunks/2_mrasy1s2owt.js","/_next/static/chunks/1nsk8jrr9fqe6.js"],"ShareButton"] 48:I[58016,["/_next/static/chunks/0sxns9k8ywops.js","/_next/static/chunks/11fk-1ie3w6mp.js","/_next/static/chunks/1uc4qdk4uj22c.js","/_next/static/chunks/0jvahffpql9nd.js","/_next/static/chunks/0agcep-t686m_.js","/_next/static/chunks/2_mrasy1s2owt.js","/_next/static/chunks/1nsk8jrr9fqe6.js"],"ProcessEpisodeButton"] 49:I[45269,["/_next/static/chunks/0sxns9k8ywops.js","/_next/static/chunks/11fk-1ie3w6mp.js","/_next/static/chunks/1uc4qdk4uj22c.js","/_next/static/chunks/0jvahffpql9nd.js","/_next/static/chunks/0agcep-t686m_.js","/_next/static/chunks/2_mrasy1s2owt.js","/_next/static/chunks/1nsk8jrr9fqe6.js"],"SignupCTA"] 3b:["$","time",null,{"dateTime":"2026-06-30T09:00:20.000Z","children":"June 30, 2026"}] 3c:["$","span",null,{"aria-hidden":true,"children":"·"}] 3d:["$","span",null,{"children":"00:02:08"}] 3e:["$","p",null,{"className":"max-w-[60ch] text-[18px] leading-[1.5] text-[color:var(--fg-2)]","children":"The $30 Million Space Salvage: Can a Startup Save NASA’s Falling Swift Observatory?\n\nA $500 million \"national treasure\" is falling, and NASA is placing a $30 million bet on a startup to save it. On June 30, 2026, the Swift Boost mission is set to..."}] 45:T477,The $30 Million Space Salvage: Can a Startup Save NASA’s Falling Swift Observatory?

A $500 million "national treasure" is falling, and NASA is placing a $30 million bet on a startup to save it. On June 30, 2026, the Swift Boost mission is set to launch from the Marshall Islands, marking a historic turning point in space sustainability. In today’s episode, we investigate the daring plan to use LINK, a robotic spacecraft built by Katalyst Space Technologies, to grapple the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory and tow it to a safer orbit.

We dive into the science behind the crisis: how recent intense solar activity has "puffed up" the atmosphere, creating drag that is pulling Swift toward its fiery demise. We break down the technical challenge of capturing a satellite with "Lego-like" robotic arms that was never meant to be serviced. Join us as we discuss why this mission is a "blueprint" for the future of space exploration, potentially paving the way to save the Hubble Space Telescope in 2028.

This episode includes AI-generated content.