NASA's Swift Telescope Set for Atmospheric Reentry

NASA’s Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, launched in 2004, is set to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere on Wednesday after nearly 22 years in space.

The spacecraft last made observations on October 20, marking the end of its extended mission beyond its original two-year design lifespan.

The Space Force estimates the 3,200-pound satellite will re-enter the atmosphere around 3:30 a.m. on Wednesday, with a possible time variation of plus or minus 11 hours.

NASA states that most of the spacecraft will disintegrate during reentry, though some components may survive and reach the Earth’s surface.

While the risk of harm to people from the reentry event is considered low, the exact landing location remains uncertain and could vary by hemisphere.

The telescope’s mission contributed significantly to the study of gamma-ray bursts and other cosmic phenomena, expanding scientific understanding of the universe.