“NASA’s Swift Observatory Is Falling to Earth. Here’s What to Know About the Impending Impact”

Key points

• Swift launched November 20, 2004 to study gamma-ray bursts with three telescopes.
• The mission vastly surpassed its planned lifespan, contributing to thousands of papers.
• In 2024 solar activity increased drag, accelerating Swift's descent toward Earth.
• A $30 million mission, LINK, failed to rescue Swift in July 2026.
• Reentry expected around November 6, with most debris likely to reach the ocean.