NASA has temporarily ceased most scientific operations of its Swift observatory to extend the spacecraft’s time in orbit. Currently, Swift’s altitude has fallen below 250 miles (400 kilometers), necessitating this pause to ensure it remains above 185 miles (300 kilometers) for an upcoming reboost mission.
Principal investigator S. Bradley Cenko from NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center noted that while the Burst Alert Telescope will continue to detect gamma-ray bursts, the spacecraft will not maneuver to observe these targets with its other instruments. By minimizing atmospheric drag through a stable orientation, the team aims to slow the rate of orbital decay until the reboost mission can be executed.
The reboost mission is currently slated for summer 2026, following a contract awarded to Katalyst Space Technologies in 2025. Originally anticipated for spring 2026, the launch will utilize an air-dropped Pegasus XL rocket, with a confirmed launch window in June 2026.
Without this reboost, Swift is projected to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere in 2026. Although the spacecraft’s scientific payload remains operational, the reboost is critical for maintaining data collection. Swift was initially designed for a prime mission duration of two years, with an expected orbital life of seven years, both of which it has significantly surpassed. However, its current altitude is considerably lower than the original 373 miles (600 kilometers).
This situation makes Swift a prime candidate for a reboost, which, if successful, will not only extend its operational life but also demonstrate a valuable capability for future missions. The spacecraft has shown signs of aging, having entered safe mode multiple times due to issues with its reaction wheels and gyroscopes. Despite these challenges, the team successfully recovered the spacecraft and had previously discussed the possibility of continuing observations into the 2030s.
Increased solar activity has contributed to the accelerated decay of Swift’s orbit, prompting the need for this reboost. Cenko emphasized, “We anticipate the reboost mission to launch in the summer, so we’re transitioning operations now to give it the best margin we possibly can.”
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