NASA telescope could fall to Earth within weeks after daring rescue falls short

NASA’s Swift Observatory orbits above Earth in an artist’s concept. - Goddard Space Flight Center/NASA
A celebrated space telescope is rapidly dipping from its once-stable orbit and falling to Earth just shy of the 22nd anniversary of its launch.
The Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory will soon have to cease its science observations after a daring rescue mission’s attempt to boost its orbit failed over the summer.
Named after fast-flying birds, the telescope could quickly pivot to