NASA launches rescue mission to boost falling Swift space telescope back into orbit
By
Leah Crane
Summary
NASA's Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory space telescope is in orbital decay after nearly two decades in space, dropping from 600 km to 375 km altitude. A rescue mission launched on July 3 aims to boost the telescope back to a higher orbit, potentially extending its operational life for several more years. The mission is described as audacious, as satellite rescues of this nature are complex and risky.
Source
Twitter / XNASA launches rescue mission to boost falling Swift space telescope back into orbitnewscientist.comKey quotes
· 3 pulledOne of NASA's premier space telescopes is falling, and an audacious mission to rescue it has just begun.
The Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory is months from dropping back to Earth, but if the rescue works, it could continue watching the sky for years to come.
All satellites' orbits eventually decay, and Swift is no exception.
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