Swift Observatory Rescue Mission Fails
NASA’s attempt to rescue the falling Swift Observatory has failed. Look back at some of Swift’s most exciting discoveries.
NASA's Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, a powerful telescope that has been orbiting Earth for over two decades, is set to burn up in the atmosphere after a failed rescue mission. In July, U.S. company Katalyst Space Technologies attempted to boost Swift's low-Earth orbit using another spacecraft, but the mission was called off due to technical issues with the rescuing craft's maneuvering thrusters.
NASA administrator Jared Isaacman acknowledged the mission's failure, stating that it was still worth attempting as it advanced capabilities for future satellite servicing. Swift, launched in 2004, has made over 829,000 observations and discovered more than 1,800 gamma-ray bursts, including the brightest of all time. The telescope has also observed objects like interstellar comets and supernovae, earning it the nickname "Rosetta Stone" for its role in supernova studies.
Despite its mission's end, Swift's discoveries continue to contribute to our understanding of the universe.
Written by urgent.news from Eos's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
