NASA’s Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory is expected to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere on November 4, 2026, nearly 22 years after its launch. The ageing space telescope, weighing approximately 3,200 pounds (1,452 kg), is approaching the end of its mission after spending more than two decades studying powerful cosmic events.

According to NASA, the US Space Force initially predicted re-entry at around 3:30 am EST on November 4, with an uncertainty of 11 hours. Most of the spacecraft is expected to burn up during its descent, although some components may survive and reach Earth.

NASA estimates the risk of harm to anyone on the planet at approximately one in 2,100. Any surviving debris is considered more likely to fall into the ocean.

Launched on November 20, 2004, Swift was originally designed for a two-year mission. It went on to detect more than 2,000 gamma-ray bursts and study over 1,400 supernova explosions, along with other cosmic phenomena.

A 2026 robotic rescue mission aimed at raising its orbit was abandoned after technical problems. NASA and the US Space Force continue to monitor its descent.