A Satellite Falling Out of Orbit Embarks on Its Final Mission

NASA’s attempt to rescue the 2004-launched Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory failed after the LINK probe’s altitude-control system malfunctioned, cancelling the plan to grapple and re-boost the satellite. Accelerated atmospheric drag from heightened solar activity now predicts Swift’s uncontrolled re-entry by year-end, while its team has re-activated two telescopes and captured X-ray images of the Tycho supernova remnant, aiming to maximize observations before the craft burns up.