From The Straits Times · · 1m
NASA Swift Telescope Ends Mission
NASA's 22-year-old Swift satellite burns up in Indonesia after failed rescue attempt.
In brief
NASA's 22-year-old Swift satellite burns up in Indonesia after failed rescue attempt. NASA's Swift telescope, which studied cosmic explosions for 22 years, fell from orbit over Indonesia after a failed rescue mission. Originally reported by The Straits Times.
Swift Telescope Falls
NASA's 22-year-old Swift satellite telescope tumbled out of orbit on Nov 4, burning up in earth's atmosphere over indonesia.
Failed Rescue Mission
A rescue spacecraft failed to boost the satellite to higher orbit after launching in july, abandoning the effort by mid-august.
Re-entry Details
The satellite re-entered at 7.39am est over north sumatra province, 322 km north of the equator, at 22 times the speed of sound.
Risk Assessment
NASA reported a very low risk to populated areas, with one chance in 2,100 odds of harm to anyone on earth.
Scientific Legacy
Swift contributed to 7,000 published scientific papers studying gamma-ray bursts, supernovae, black holes and asteroids since 2004.
Here's the gist
NASA's Swift telescope, which studied cosmic explosions for 22 years, fell from orbit over Indonesia after a failed rescue mission.
