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NASA's Swift telescope set for fiery return to Earth after nearly 22 years
FOX Weather • • science
Key Points:
- NASA’s Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, launched in 2004 to study gamma-ray bursts, is expected to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere on Wednesday after 22 years of service, far exceeding its original two-year mission design.
- The approximately 3,200-pound spacecraft will mostly burn up during reentry, though some components are anticipated to survive and reach the surface, with the Space Force predicting the event around 3:30 a.m. plus or minus 11 hours.
- The risk to people on Earth from the reentry is considered very low, and the exact location of debris landing will depend on the timing of the event and could vary between hemispheres.
- Throughout its mission, Swift has significantly contributed to understanding cosmic phenomena including active galaxies, X-ray flares from stars, supernovae, and solar system objects like comets and asteroids.
- NASA and the Space Force will continue to monitor the reentry closely and provide updates to the public as the event unfolds.
