SWIFT

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SWIFT is an American space observatory launched in 2004 to study gamma-ray bursts and other high-energy cosmic events. The spacecraft has been gradually losing altitude due to atmospheric drag, prompting NASA to plan a mission to rescue it using an experimental tug satellite named LINK. This satellite was designed to dock with SWIFT and slowly raise its orbit over several months to prevent re-entry into Earth's atmosphere. The mission faced delays due to weather conditions but was ultimately scheduled for launch in late June 2024.

Recent coverage

• Experimental tug satellite LINK deployed in orbit is operating normally — Интерфакс
• First of its kind: Mission to save the Swift telescope from crashing into Earth has begun — Фонтанка
• NASA has delayed the mission to save the Swift telescope from crashing into Earth — Фонтанка
• Launch of NASA satellite to rescue falling orbital observatory postponed again — Интерфакс
• NASA to attempt third launch of tug satellite on Wednesday to rescue degrading observatory — Интерфакс
• Launch of NASA satellite to rescue falling orbital observatory postponed by one day — Интерфакс
• NASA to launch tug satellite Tuesday to rescue orbiting observatory — Интерфакс
• NASA prepares to launch a tug satellite to lift the Swift observatory's orbit — Фонтанка
• NASA prepares to launch satellite to save orbiting observatory — Вести
• NASA prepares for mission to rescue falling orbital observatory — Интерфакс