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Nasa telescope launched in 2004 to plunge back to Earth after failed rescue mission

The Guardian UK Tuesday 03 November 2026, 19:50 UTC By Edward Helmore 1 min read
Key Points

Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory is expected to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere Wednesday, burning up in the processNasa’s Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, which has spent two decades studying the most powerful explosions in the cosmos, is expected to re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere on Wednesday, burning up in the process. The satellite, which was designed to operate with its three telescopes for just two years, is no longer able to steer or observe, and its re-entry is uncontrolled.

Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory is expected to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere Wednesday, burning up in the process

Nasa’s Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, which has spent two decades studying the most powerful explosions in the cosmos, is expected to re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere on Wednesday, burning up in the process.

The satellite, which was designed to operate with its three telescopes for just two years, is no longer able to steer or observe, and its re-entry is uncontrolled.

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Nasa (ORG) Earth (LOCATION) Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory (PERSON)
Originally published by The Guardian UK Read original →

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