NASA Ends Swift Telescope Mission After Nearly 22 Years
NASA has switched off its Swift space observatory after more than two decades studying cosmic explosions. Its final observations came on 20 October, with atmospheric drag now forcing the spacecraft towards re-entry.
NASA has ended the science mission of its Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory after nearly 22 years in space, as the ageing satellite loses altitude and approaches an expected return through Earth’s atmosphere.
The observatory made its final astronomical observations on 20 October 2026. NASA announced the closure on 23 October, saying the spacecraft had fallen to an orbit of roughly 275 kilometres, where increasing atmospheric drag prevented its telescopes from holding the stable pointing needed for research.
Swift was launched on 20 November 2004 for a mission initially expected to last two years. It went on to become one of astronomy’s most versatile tools for studying events that change rapidly, particularly gamma-ray bursts — brief, exceptionally energetic flashes often associated with collapsing massive stars or collisions between compact stellar remnants.
Its design allowed it to spot high-energy flashes and redirect its X-ray and ultraviolet/optical instruments towards them quickly. That ability gave astronomers a chance to capture the fading aftermath of explosions that had previously been difficult to locate in time.
According to NASA, Swift observed more than 2,000 gamma-ray bursts and studied over 1,400 supernovae during its career. The mission’s measurements have contributed to approximately 7,000 scientific papers, covering subjects that range from black holes and active galaxies to asteroids and comets.
Why the observatory could not remain in orbit
Satellites in low Earth orbit encounter thin traces of the atmosphere, which gradually slow them down. Solar activity can increase that drag by heating and expanding the upper atmosphere.
Plans to raise Swift into a higher orbit using a commercial servicing spacecraft did not succeed. NASA and its commercial partner called off the proposed boost attempt in August after problems affected the servicing vehicle. Swift subsequently resumed observations, but its orbit continued to decay.
On 20 October the observatory entered a protective safe mode. Controllers at Pennsylvania State University then sent the command that ended operations in preparation for re-entry, which NASA expects in the coming weeks. The precise date remains uncertain.
For astronomers, the loss is not simply a matter of replacing an ageing satellite. Swift was designed to coordinate urgent observations across different wavelengths, allowing telescopes on the ground and in space to examine a fleeting event while it was still visible.
NASA says it is assessing how existing telescopes and future missions can help maintain that rapid-response capability. Meanwhile, researchers will continue using Swift’s publicly available archive, which includes nearly 22 years of observations and more than 1.5 million ultraviolet and optical images.
Musa Ersoy
Musa Ersoy is an editor and writer at DEFUXA Global News, covering developments in the United Kingdom and around the world. He researches news stories using official statements, credible sources and independently verifiable information. His editorial work focuses on factual ac…
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