NASA's Swift observatory ends mission to study the most powerful explosions since the Big Bang, will crash to Earth in a few weeks
NASA's Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory has officially concluded its 20-year mission after failing to maintain its orbit due to increased solar activity. The satellite is expected to reenter Earth's atmosphere and burn up within the coming weeks.
Why it matters
The Swift observatory was a critical tool for studying high-energy cosmic phenomena, and its loss marks the end of a significant era in space-based astrophysics.
NASA's Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory has officially ended its mission after more than 20 years, as it approaches a fiery reentry through Earth's atmosphere.
By Brandon Specktor Edited by Laura Mondrag n Published 26 October 2026 In News When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here's how it works .
(Image credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center Conceptual Image Lab) Copy link Facebook X Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter A pioneering NASA space telescope is no more. In sad news for Swifties everywhere, the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory has officially ended its mission after more than 20 years of tracking the most powerful explosions in the universe since the Big Bang.
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