A big news related to space exploration has come out. NASA’s old but important Swift telescope is still in danger. This satellite is gradually losing its altitude and coming down towards the Earth. If it is not sent into a higher orbit in time, it may burn up and be destroyed while entering the Earth’s atmosphere. NASA does not want to lose this telescope, because Swift is continuously sending important data from space. It specifically monitors gamma-ray bursts and other important space events.
**NASA will spend billions**
Swift Observatory was launched in 2004. After operating for more than two decades, its batteries have started deteriorating and its solar panels are no longer working at full capacity. As a result, it is gradually losing its orbital altitude. NASA has taken an important step to save this telescope and has entrusted this work to ‘Catalyst Space Technologies’. This company will provide a booster system to push Swift back into a higher orbit. According to reports, this mission will cost approximately $300 billion – i.e. more than Rs 30,000 crore in Indian currency. The purpose of this mission is to extend the life of Swift and bring it back into orbit safely.
**NASA will use Pegasus rocket**
NASA is planning to use the Pegasus rocket to rescue Swift. This mission is unique in many ways, because such an operation is being done for the first time to save an aging satellite. Scientists say that Swift is still fully functioning and sending important data about the universe, so saving it is a priority for NASA. Not only Swift, NASA’s famous Hubble Space Telescope is also in danger. The Hubble Telescope, which is now almost 36 years old, is also gradually aging and may face similar challenges in the future.
NASA Science Chief Nick Fox said that Swift provides important data and NASA does not want to lose it. It is expected that this mission will be completed by October. Swift may need orbit adjustment until September, so NASA is preparing to launch a rescue operation as soon as possible.
