NASA’s Swift Mission Ends, Leaves Behind Scientific Bonanza

4 min read NASA’s Swift Mission Ends, Leaves Behind Scientific Bonanza NASA’s Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory has ended its science mission now that the spacecraft is orbiting less than 171 miles (275 kilometers) above Earth’s surface. The greater atmospheric drag at this height prevents the satellite’s telescopes from steadily gazing at their astronomical targets. Swift conducted its final observation on Oct. 20. It is expected to re-enter the atmosphere in the next few weeks. NASA’s Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory orbits above Earth in this artist’s concept. NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center Conceptual Image Lab “Swift delivered an incredible, lasting return on investment for the nation, designed for a two-year primary mission but productive for more than 10 times as long,” said Shawn Domagal-Goldman, director, Astrophysics Division at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “In that time, Swift played a major role in advancing our understanding of the changing universe and was part of a revolution in astrophysics that showed how critical rapid-response observations are to the entire community. To support rapid response to cosmic events in a post-Swift world, we’re exploring our ability