Swift observatory reenters earth atmosphere after two decades
After two decades in space studying cosmic explosions, NASA's Swift Observatory has plunged back to Earth.
An aging NASA space telescope has plummeted back to Earth following two decades of orbital operations. The Swift Observatory spent its operational lifespan dedicated to studying cosmic explosions before making its final descent through the atmosphere.
Official assessments indicated that the risk of harm resulting from the uncontrolled reentry remained unlikely. The aging spacecraft faced a failed rescue mission prior to its atmospheric plunge, forcing officials to say goodbye to the robot after 22 years in orbit.
Tracking the Final Hours
Organizations including The Aerospace Corporation kept the public informed as the mission reached its conclusion. CORDS monitored the trajectory of the observatory as it prepared to burn up in the atmosphere. The spacecraft completed its final mission objectives before succumbing to gravitational decay, concluding a legendary era of space science.
The event marks another chapter in the agency's history of decommissioning orbital hardware, following similar conclusions for previous robotic missions over the years.