NASA is scrambling to save its aging Swift telescope, which has been sinking into a faster orbital decay due to heightened solar activity. Launched in 2004, the observatory requires a boost to a higher, more stable orbit as soon as possible to survive. A rescue mission is slated for June 30.
The Swift telescope has scanned the cosmos for two decades, but recent intense solar activity has accelerated its descent. Without intervention, it risks burning up in Earth's atmosphere. The planned rendezvous aims to push it back into a safe altitude, prolonging its scientific life.
According to Space.com, NASA will launch the rescue mission on June 30. The operation involves a spacecraft rendezvousing with Swift and physically raising its orbit. The telescope's sinking rate has increased sharply, though exact figures were not specified in available reports.
If successful, the maneuver could extend Swift's operational years, allowing continued gamma-ray burst detection and multi-wavelength astronomy. Failure would mean losing a key observatory that has contributed to Nobel-winning discoveries. The mission carries inherent risks of collision or mechanical failure.
Critics question the cost-benefit of salvaging aging hardware versus funding newer telescopes, though NASA has not disclosed the mission's budget. The agency argues Swift's unique capabilities justify the effort.