#Orbital Decay

News tagged with #Orbital Decay

NASA Bids Farewell to Swift Telescope: After 21 Years in Orbit, the Spacecraft Will Burn Up in the Atmosphere

Science 10/28/2026, 20:43

NASA's Swift telescope has concluded its scientific mission after 21 years in orbit: its final target was observed on October 20 at an altitude of 275 km. Due to the failure of the LINK tug, the spacecraft will burn up in the atmosphere in the coming weeks.

NASA Concludes 20-Year Mission of Swift Telescope: LINK Rescue Spacecraft Fails, Observatory to Burn Up in Atmosphere

Science 10/27/2026, 19:16

NASA has confirmed the end of the Swift telescope mission: the LINK rescue spacecraft failed in July 2026, and the observatory, which served for over 20 years, will burn up in the atmosphere in the coming weeks.