NASA's Swift Observatory Reenters Earth's Atmosphere, Concluding 22-Year Gamma-Ray Mission

After 22 years of operation, NASA's Swift observatory reentered Earth's atmosphere over North Sumatra at 7:39 a.m. EST (11:14 UTC) on November 4, 2026, as confirmed by the U.S. Space Force. The mission, designed for two years, significantly contributed to gamma-ray astronomy, detecting over 2,000 gamma-ray bursts and 1,400 supernovas. A private rescue attempt to raise its orbit failed due to attitude-control problems with the servicer spacecraft.