Swift Mission Loses Two Reaction Wheels

A preliminary investigation has revealed that two of the three reaction wheels aboard the spacecraft *Link* are currently inoperative. Reaction wheels are critical components that provide precise attitude control for a satellite, allowing it to orient itself for scientific observations, communication, and maneuvering. The loss of two wheels severely limits *Link*’s ability to maintain stable pointing and to perform planned maneuvers, potentially affecting its mission timeline and data collection schedule.

Mission control is evaluating the extent of the failure and exploring contingency options, such as reconfiguring the spacecraft’s attitude control strategy or using alternative propulsion methods to compensate for the reduced wheel functionality. Engineers are also investigating the root cause of the malfunction to determine whether it is a hardware defect, software issue, or environmental factor. The impact on *Link*’s overall mission objectives will be assessed as additional diagnostic data become available.