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NASA shuts down Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory after orbital decay

Original: NASA's 1,450 kg Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, launched in 2004 to study gamma-ray bursts and black holes, has been per

NASA has permanently shut down the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, the 1,450 kg telescope launched in 2004 to study gamma-ray bursts and black holes. The spacecraft dropped to an altitude of 275 km, with heightened solar activity accelerating its orbital decay. A rescue attempt by Katalyst Space reportedly failed to save the mission, ending two decades of observations.

Why now: The end of a long-running and well-known NASA astronomy mission due to solar-driven orbital decay is significant science news.

NASANeil Gehrels Swift ObservatoryKatalyst Space

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• NASA's 1,450 kg Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, launched in 2004 to study gamma-ray bursts and black holes, has been permanently shut down after dropping to an altitude of 275 km. Increased solar activity accelerated its orbital decay. A rescue attempt by Katalyst Space… · hacksgr · 1

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