NASA telescope set for Earth re-entry, likely to burn up

The Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, weighing 1.5 tons, is predicted by the U.S. Space Force to fall back to Earth around Friday, following a failed attempt to extend its operational life.

While most of the telescope is expected to disintegrate during atmospheric re-entry, some denser components and mirror fragments may survive, according to Brad Cenko, the mission’s chief scientist.

The potential re-entry zone spans across Africa, Australia, India, Southeast Asia, and Central and South America. However, experts believe any surviving debris will likely fall into the ocean, Cenko stated to the Associated Press.

Launched on November 20, 2004, the Swift telescope operated in orbit for 22 years.

During its mission, the telescope focused on identifying gamma-ray bursts—the universe’s most powerful explosions—and supernovas.

“We’ve known this day would come since before Swift was launched. At least in low-Earth orbit, what goes up must come down. And that end is catastrophic,” said John Nousek, an astronomer involved in the mission, in a statement to AP.

The Space Force is currently monitoring the telescope’s descent trajectory.

The telescope’s decline was accelerated by increased solar activity. A rescue mission undertaken last year proved unsuccessful.

After the failed rescue attempt, the telescope’s orbit deteriorated to 171 miles above Earth, rendering it inoperable, as reported by Space.com.

Throughout its operational period, Swift detected over 2,000 gamma-ray bursts and approximately 1,400 exploding stars.

The precise time and location of the re-entry are not yet known, but officials anticipate it will occur around Friday.