The observatory had spent decades studying powerful cosmic explosions and was the target of an unsuccessful rescue mission earlier this year

A spacecraft built by space startup Katalyst Space that will tow NASA's Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory into a higher orbit awaits encapsulation aboard a Northrop Grumman Pegasus XL at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia,

NASA's Swift Observatory is expected to crash back down to Earth this week, following a failed mission to rescue the aging telescope.

Astronomers have their eyes glued to the sky this week as NASA’s iconic Neil Gehrels Swift Telescope is expected to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere on Wednesday, nearly 22 years after launch.