NASA’s attempt to rescue the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory has faced setbacks after the robotic spacecraft LINK lost control and began spinning due to equipment failures.

The spacecraft suffered problems with its reaction wheels and thruster systems, making precise navigation and a planned capture of Swift more difficult.

Katalyst Space is working to stabilize LINK using backup propulsion systems and update its guidance controls.

NASA and the company remain hopeful but say the rescue attempt depends on spacecraft safety and Swift’s declining orbit, ABC News has reported.

The mission is time-sensitive because Swift could reenter Earth’s atmosphere and be destroyed by the end of the year without a successful boost.