NASA is executing an unprecedented, first-of-its-kind rescue mission to save the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, a highly successful 21-year-old space telescope that is rapidly sinking toward Earth. If successful, the $30 million "Swift Boost" salvage operation could mark the beginning of a brand-new era for commercial in-orbit satellite servicing.

A mission to raise the orbit of NASA’s Swift observatory is poised for launch June 30.

De Swift-telescoop, in 2004 gelanceerd, heeft zoveel hoogte verloren dat NASA in sneltempo een redding op touw moest zetten.

And the Hubble Space Telescope could be next