Swift Telescope Back Online, Orbit Deteriorating | Science News

NASA’s Swift telescope, a 21-year space veteran, is back online with two of its three instruments—just as it faces an urgent orbital crisis. Originally designed to detect gamma-ray bursts and alert other observatories, Swift now plummets faster than expected due to atmospheric drag, worsened by solar activity. A failed commercial rescue mission meant to extend its life has left the spacecraft on a downward spiral, with scientists fearing it will dip below its critical 185-mile altitude within weeks. Though the Burst Alert Telescope remains offline, the active instruments are still gathering vital data before the inevitable end. The aborted rescue mission, however, won’t be in vain—it’ll help test next-gen satellite servicing tech. For now, Swift continues its cosmic watch, squeezing every last science out of its fading orbit. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/e26e9dafde37f5b9