NASA Restarts 2 Swift Instruments as Failed Rescue Leaves Telescope 1-2 Months From Critical Orbit
Updated
Updated · Space.com · Aug 31
NASA Restarts 2 Swift Instruments as Failed Rescue Leaves Telescope 1-2 Months From Critical Orbit
3 articles · Updated · Space.com · Aug 31
Summary
Aug. 26 marked Swift’s return to science operations, with NASA restarting its X-ray and ultraviolet/optical instruments after months in a low-drag survival mode.
February shutdowns were meant to preserve orbit until Katalyst Space’s LINK spacecraft could boost Swift, but NASA scrapped that plan on Aug. 19 after LINK lost reaction wheels, suffered thruster issues and failed its capture mission.
BAT, Swift’s third instrument, remains offline after an April power-saving shutdown, though NASA says it could resume data collection within weeks.
300 kilometers is the key threshold: without the canceled orbital boost, NASA expects Swift to fall below it within one to two months, making operations harder and accelerating decay.
Launched in 2004 for a 2-year mission, Swift now faces likely reentry later this year as stronger atmospheric drag from elevated solar activity shortens its remaining life.