NASA observatory expected to fall to Earth
Nov 4, 2026
NASA’s Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory is expected to meet a fiery end early Wednesday, nearly 22 years after it launched to space
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Video Summary
AI GeneratedNASA's Swift observatory, a 1.5-ton spacecraft launched in 2004, is currently falling out of orbit. While NASA believes the risk to people on Earth is unlikely, the observatory is expected to burn up upon reentry, with some debris potentially landing near the equator.
A one and a half ton NASA observatory is falling out of orbit
and toward Earth today.
NASA says the risk of the Swift observatory
harming anyone on Earth is unlikely.
The spacecraft is expected to burn up
as it blazes through the Earth's atmosphere.
NASA says it is possible some pieces could hit the ground
or the ocean near the equator.
The Swift Observatory launched in 2004.
It was originally designed to study the most powerful explosions
in the universe called gamma-ray bursts.
But scientists have also used it to monitor other types
of cosmic flashes, as well as asteroids and comets.
Very cool.
Very cool.