NASA's Swift telescope will plunge toward Earth after rescue mission called off

NASA's Swift telescope will likely re-enter Earth's atmosphere this year after a rescue mission failed. The telescope, which has been tracking significant cosmic events like gamma-ray bursts for over 20 years, was due to be boosted to a safer orbit by a startup called Katalyst Space Technologies. However, Katalyst decided against attempting the rescue due to issues with controlling the rescue spacecraft, Link.

NASA had paid $30 million for the rescue attempt, but intense solar activity caused Swift to lose altitude faster than expected. The mission, launched in July, saw Link initially struggle to maintain its orbit. Although the rescue mission was not successful, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman stated it was still worth attempting.

Katalyst CEO Ghonhee Lee acknowledged the high-risk nature of the mission and expressed pride in the milestones reached. Launched in 2004, Swift's instruments were recently turned off to slow its descent. Currently orbiting at 216 miles, Swift is predicted to re-enter at 186 miles in October. Designed for a two-year mission, Swift has been gradually falling due to interactions with Earth's upper atmosphere.

NASA's Hubble Space Telescope, also affected by solar storms, is expected to re-enter the atmosphere in the 2030s if no rescue is attempted.