The Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory is expected to burn up during atmospheric re-entry nearly 22 years after launch. NASA says most of the spacecraft will disintegrate, with a low estimated risk to people on the ground.
WEB DESK: NASA’s Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory is expected to make its final descent into Earth’s atmosphere on Wednesday, November 4, nearly 22 years after its launch, bringing an end to a space mission that far exceeded its original operational lifespan.
The roughly 3,200-pound (1,452-kilogram) satellite was designed to study gamma-ray bursts — powerful explosions that release intense bursts of radiation across the universe. NASA expects most of the spacecraft to burn up during atmospheric re-entry, although some components could survive and reach Earth.
Low risk to people on Earth
NASA said the US Space Force estimated the probability of the satellite causing harm to anyone on Earth at approximately one in 2,100.
Because of Swift’s relatively low orbital inclination, any surviving fragments are expected to fall within a geographical band between 20.6 degrees north and 20.6 degrees south latitude. The precise location depends on the timing of re-entry.
NASA and the US Space Force have been monitoring the spacecraft’s descent, while forecasts from different tracking organisations have varied over the expected re-entry time.
A mission that lasted nearly 22 years
Launched in 2004, Swift was initially designed for a two-year primary mission. However, it continued scientific operations for more than two decades, using three telescopes to observe gamma-ray bursts and other astronomical phenomena.
Its observations helped scientists study supernova explosions, active galaxies powered by supermassive black holes, X-ray flares from stars and objects within the solar system.
NASA officially ended Swift’s science operations after the spacecraft descended to an altitude of approximately 171 miles (275 kilometres), where increased atmospheric drag made it difficult to maintain stable observations. Its final scientific observation took place on October 20, 2026.
Failed rescue mission sealed the telescope’s fate
NASA and Arizona-based startup Katalyst Space Technologies attempted to extend Swift’s operational life through a specially developed robotic spacecraft called LINK.
Launched in July 2026, the rescue vehicle was designed to approach Swift, attach itself to the observatory and push it into a higher orbit.
However, LINK began spinning uncontrollably after reaching space. Mission managers abandoned the rescue attempt in August, leaving Swift to continue its gradual descent towards Earth.
The mission also served as a test of orbital servicing technology, which could potentially help repair, maintain or reposition satellites in the future.
