A Derelict NASA Space Telescope Is Falling Back to Earth and Experts Have No Idea Where It’ll Crash
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In July, NASA launched a mission to extend the life of its aging Swift observatory. However, the attempt failed, causing the observatory to begin its descent back to Earth. The space agency reported that Swift started sinking rapidly due to increased atmospheric drag in mid-October, with its orbit reduced to just 171 miles. Experts predict that most of the observatory will burn up upon reentry, with only fragments surviving.
LeoLabs' Darren McKnight stated that while the situation is unfortunate, the reentry hazard is minimal. Swift's orbit is close to the equator, over predominantly open ocean. The telescope's heavy reaction wheels and telescope parts are most likely to survive reentry. As space junk continues to accumulate in Earth's orbit, the amount of debris falling back to our planet is increasing each year.
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