NASA telescope expected to crash to Earth this week
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 2 Nov, 19:14 · Archive
The Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, a 1.5-ton NASA telescope in orbit for 22 years, is expected to re-enter Earth's atmosphere soon after a failed rescue attempt.
The Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, which launched on 20 November 2004, is expected to re-enter Earth's atmosphere this week following a failed rescue mission. The U.S. Space Force predicts the roughly 1.5-ton spacecraft will crash down around Wednesday or Friday. Most of the telescope will burn up during re-entry, but pieces made of dense tungsten and some mirrored sections may survive, according to NASA's Brad Cenko, the mission's chief scientist.
The telescope's reentry zone encompasses parts of Africa, Australia, India, Southeast Asia and Central and South America. However, any surviving debris will most likely land in the ocean. NASA stated the risk of harm to anyone on Earth is unlikely, roughly 1 in 2,100.
The Swift spent 22 years searching for gamma-ray bursts and supernovas, the most powerful explosions in the universe. Intense solar activity in recent years caused the telescope's orbit to decay faster than anticipated to 171 miles above Earth, rendering it unable to operate. NASA attempted a rescue mission last year through contractor Katalyst Space, but the effort was unsuccessful. Pennsylvania State University astronomer John Nousek, involved with the mission, noted: 'We've known this day would come since before Swift was launched. At least in low-Earth orbit, what goes up must come down. And that end is catastrophic.'
How it is being reported
- NASA telescope is plunging back to Earth after 22 years in orbitThe Swift Observatory is barely clinging to space after a failed rescue effort left it tottering lower and lower.CBS News · 2 Nov, 19:00
- Decades-old NASA telescope heading back to Earth — to crashThe Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, which launched in 2004, is expected to come crashing down to Earth soonIndependent World · 1 Nov, 18:34
In this story: Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory · NASA · U.S. Space Force · Pennsylvania State University
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