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NASA’s Swift Mission Ends, Leaves Behind Scientific Bonanza
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4 min readNASA’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
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
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