NASA has called off its attempt to extend the life of the aging Swift Observatory after the rescue spacecraft sent to bring it to a higher orbit suffered a major technical failure.
The LINK spacecraft began spinning uncontrollably shortly after its launch in July. Engineers spent weeks trying to regain control, but were unable to resolve the problem.The mission was designed to capture Swift and push it into a higher orbit, potentially allowing the observatory to continue operating for several more years.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
NASA has ended the attempt to rescue Swift.
NASA has ended the attempt to rescue Swift.
Engineers were unable to stop the spacecraft's uncontrolled spin.
The rescue mission aimed to raise Swift's orbit. Swift has studied cosmic events since 2004.
The observatory is expected to re-enter Earth's atmosphere later this year.
Swift has been observing the universe since 2004, studying powerful cosmic events including gamma-ray bursts.
With the rescue mission abandoned, NASA says Swift will likely re-enter Earth's atmosphere and burn up later this year.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
Swift has spent more than two decades helping scientists understand violent and distant cosmic events. The failed rescue attempt means one of NASA's long-running space observatories is now likely nearing its final days.
