NASA ends Swift space telescope mission after failed rescue attempt
NASA has officially concluded the mission of the Swift space telescope after a private rescue attempt failed to boost its orbit. The telescope, which has studied gamma-ray bursts for over 20 years, is expected to reenter Earth's atmosphere in the coming weeks.
Why it matters
The end of the Swift mission marks the conclusion of a highly successful two-decade scientific endeavor that significantly advanced our understanding of cosmic explosions.
Missions NASA ends Swift space telescope mission after failed rescue attempt News By Mike Wall Published 26 October 2026 Swift is expected to crash back to Earth in the next few weeks.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here's how it works .
Click for next article Artist's illustration of NASA's Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, which launched to Earth orbit in November 2004 and will soon fall out of space. (Image credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center Conceptual Image Lab) Copy link Facebook X Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter NASA has officially ended the mission of its Swift space telescope, after a private satellite failed in its bold bid to rescue the aging spacecraft.
Also covering this story
One other newsroom covered this event. We read that version too.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in