NASA telescope reenters Earth atmosphere after two decades in space

A NASA space telescope designed to study powerful cosmic explosions has returned to Earth. The Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory reentered the atmosphere over western Indonesia after spending nearly 22 years in orbit. U.S. Space Force tracking data confirmed the reentry location, which matched official forecasts closely.

A Long Mission Comes to an End

Launched in November 2004, the observatory was originally meant to last for only two years. Instead, it operated for over two decades, helping scientists study thousands of gamma-ray bursts and supernovae. The spacecraft lacked an engine, and increased solar activity created unexpected atmospheric drag that pulled it down from low Earth orbit.

Failed Rescue Attempt

NASA previously attempted to save the aging satellite by hiring a private company to push it to a higher altitude. That rescue mission failed after the robotic tug lost control of its orientation, forcing the space agency to call off the capture effort. Most of the spacecraft was expected to burn up during its descent, though some pieces may have survived.

• The telescope monitored the sky using three primary instruments.
• Data from the mission supported thousands of scientific papers.
• The final observation took place in October.