Science & Space
NASA’s Swift Mission Ends After Final Observation From Low Orbit
NASA’s Swift Observatory ended its science mission after atmospheric drag disrupted its ability to observe astronomical targets.
What happened
NASA’s Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory conducted its final observation on October 20. The mission ended after the spacecraft’s orbit fell below 171 miles, or 275 kilometres, above Earth. Increased atmospheric drag at that altitude prevents Swift’s telescopes from steadily viewing astronomical targets.
Why it matters
The mission’s science operations have stopped, ending Swift’s ability to carry out further steady astronomical observations from orbit.
Source: NASA