NASA recently launched a mission intended to address the deteriorating orbit of the Swift Observatory, a space-based telescope launched in 2004. The observatory is at risk of falling back to Earth and burning up in the atmosphere as soon as this year due to recent solar activity.
The Swift Observatory was placed into orbit nearly two decades ago. According to The Verge, recent solar storms have caused its orbit to degrade, increasing the likelihood it will re-enter Earth’s atmosphere. NASA initiated a mission to attempt to counteract this effect.
Engadget reported that NASA has established contact with LINK, the robotic spacecraft utilized for the Swift Boost mission. Details regarding the specifics of how LINK will interact with the Swift Observatory were not provided in the available sources.
The launch of the rescue mission indicates NASA’s concern about the potential loss of the observatory. The Verge stated the agency is attempting to “stave off its demise.” No information was available on the expected duration or projected success rate of the mission.
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