After 22 years in orbit, aging NASA telescope is heading back to Earth and may crash in pieces
A mission nearing its end
The Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory launched on November 20, 2004, and has spent 22 years circling Earth. Its orbit has now fallen to 171 miles above the planet, leaving the observatory unable to operate, Space.com reported.
What may survive re-entry
NASA expects most of the telescope to burn up as it passes through the atmosphere. Some denser pieces and portions of its mirrors may survive, according to mission chief scientist Brad Cenko.
It is not yet clear where or exactly when the observatory will come down. Experts anticipate the event on or around Friday.
Tracking the descent
The Space Force is following Swift’s trajectory as it falls toward Earth. The monitoring comes as the aging observatory approaches the end of its time in orbit. Gamma-ray bursts, among the universe’s most powerful explosions, were a central target of Swift’s observations. The spacecraft’s return marks the end of a mission launched more than two decades ago.
Key points
- Swift launched on November 20, 2004, and spent 22 years in orbit.
- Experts expect the telescope to return around Friday, but its location and timing are uncertain.
- Most of Swift should burn up; some denser or mirrored pieces may survive.
- The Space Force is tracking the telescope as it falls.