NASA's Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory is set to re-enter Earth's atmosphere on November 4 at approximately 3:30 AM Eastern time, according to US Armed Forces predictions. The 3,200-pound spacecraft, launched 22 years ago, is returning after a failed rescue attempt. In July, NASA's Swift Boost mission aimed to extend its life using Katalyst Space's LINK robotic spacecraft, but attitude control issues caused LINK to spin uncontrollably, leading to communication failures.
NASA terminated the mission in late October after Swift entered safe mode. Before shutdown, Swift observed over 2,000 gamma-ray bursts and 1,400 supernova explosions, revolutionizing our understanding of cosmic events. Most of the observatory will burn up during re-entry, with minimal risk to public safety.
NASA and the Armed Forces continue monitoring the descent and will refine predictions as needed.
Source: Engadget · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing