NASA says Swift observatory’s science mission has ended
NASA says the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory made its final science observation on October 20 after nearly 22 years in orbit.
What the record says
The October 23 account says atmospheric drag at the spacecraft’s lower orbit prevents its telescopes from steadily observing targets. NASA expects atmospheric re-entry in the following weeks. Swift’s public archive remains available for research into gamma-ray bursts and other changing cosmic sources.
Source details and supporting locations.
Practical next step
Read NASA’s mission update and public science archive for further information.
Limits and what is not established
The re-entry timing is a forecast. This account does not establish an exact time, location or ground-risk assessment.
Sources checked October 25, 2026. Later notices may change instructions or arrangements.