# Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory

> mission concerning a space observatory in low earth orbit measuring gamma ray radiation

**Wikidata**: [Q837488](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q837488)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neil_Gehrels_Swift_Observatory)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/neil-gehrels-swift-observatory

## Summary
The **Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory** is a NASA space telescope in low Earth orbit designed to detect and study gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) and other high-energy cosmic phenomena. Launched in 2004, it is part of the Explorers Program and was renamed in 2018 to honor astrophysicist Neil Gehrels.

## Key Facts
- Launched on **November 20, 2004**, aboard a **Delta II rocket** from Cape Canaveral.
- Operated by **NASA** as part of the **Explorers Program** (Mission 84) and the **Medium Explorer program** (Mission 3).
- Mass at launch: **1,331 kg**, powered by **solar arrays**.
- Carries three scientific instruments: an **X-ray telescope**, an **ultraviolet telescope**, and a **gamma-ray burst detector**.
- Originally named the **Swift Gamma-Ray Burst Mission**, renamed in **2018** after Neil Gehrels.
- Orbits in **low Earth orbit** (LEO) and is expected to receive a **reboost in 2026** to extend its mission.
- Preceded by the **Galaxy Evolution Explorer** and followed by **THEMIS-A** in the Explorers Program.

## FAQs
### Q: What does the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory study?
A: It primarily detects and studies **gamma-ray bursts (GRBs)**, the most energetic explosions in the universe, as well as other high-energy cosmic events using its X-ray, ultraviolet, and gamma-ray instruments.

### Q: When was the Swift Observatory launched?
A: It was launched on **November 20, 2004**, from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17A.

### Q: Why was it renamed to Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory?
A: NASA renamed it in **January 2018** to honor **Neil Gehrels**, a pioneering astrophysicist who played a key role in the mission’s development.

### Q: What instruments does Swift carry?
A: It carries an **X-ray telescope (XRT)**, an **ultraviolet/optical telescope (UVOT)**, and the **Burst Alert Telescope (BAT)** for gamma-ray detection.

### Q: Is Swift still operational?
A: Yes, as of 2024, it remains operational, with a planned **reboost in 2026** to maintain its orbit.

## Why It Matters
The Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory has revolutionized the study of gamma-ray bursts, providing rapid detection and multi-wavelength follow-up observations. By pinpointing GRBs—brief, intense flashes of gamma rays—Swift helps scientists understand the deaths of massive stars, the formation of black holes, and the early universe. Its ability to swiftly (hence the name) slew to new targets has made it a critical tool for time-domain astronomy, enabling coordinated observations with ground-based and other space telescopes. Swift’s data has also contributed to research on supernovae, active galactic nuclei, and other transient cosmic events, making it one of NASA’s most productive astrophysics missions.

## Notable For
- **First mission dedicated to the rapid detection and multi-wavelength study of gamma-ray bursts**.
- **Fastest-slewing satellite** of its time, capable of reorienting to observe a new target within **minutes**.
- **Discovered over 1,000 gamma-ray bursts** since launch, including some of the most distant known.
- **Renamed in 2018** to honor Neil Gehrels, reflecting his leadership in high-energy astrophysics.
- **Part of NASA’s Medium Explorer (MIDEX) program**, demonstrating cost-effective, focused space science missions.

## Body
### Mission Overview
The **Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory** is a **space telescope** designed to observe **gamma-ray bursts (GRBs)** and other transient high-energy phenomena. It operates in **low Earth orbit (LEO)** and is part of NASA’s **Explorers Program**, specifically the **Medium Explorer (MIDEX) program**.

### Launch and Operations
- **Launch Date**: November 20, 2004, at **17:16:01 UTC**.
- **Launch Vehicle**: **Delta II (D309)** rocket.
- **Launch Site**: Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17A.
- **Operator**: NASA.
- **Manufacturer**: Spectrum Astro (now part of Northrop Grumman).
- **Spacecraft Bus**: SA-200LL.

### Instruments
Swift carries three primary instruments:
1. **Burst Alert Telescope (BAT)**: Detects gamma-ray bursts and provides initial localization.
2. **X-Ray Telescope (XRT)**: Follows up on GRBs with high-resolution X-ray observations.
3. **Ultraviolet/Optical Telescope (UVOT)**: Captures ultraviolet and optical data for multi-wavelength analysis.

### Key Discoveries and Achievements
- Detected and localized **hundreds of gamma-ray bursts**, including some from the early universe.
- Provided critical data on **supernovae**, **black hole formation**, and **neutron star mergers**.
- Enabled rapid follow-up observations by ground-based telescopes due to its **fast slewing capability**.

### Mission Timeline
- **2004**: Launch and start of operations.
- **2018**: Renamed to **Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory** in honor of the late astrophysicist.
- **2026 (planned)**: Expected **reboost mission** to extend its operational lifetime.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: 1,331 kg (launch weight).
- **Power Source**: Two **solar arrays**.
- **Orbit**: Low Earth orbit (LEO).
- **COSPAR ID**: 2004-047A.
- **NSSDCA ID**: 2004-047A.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory",
  "description": "A NASA space telescope in low Earth orbit designed to study gamma-ray bursts and other high-energy cosmic phenomena.",
  "url": "https://swift.gsfc.nasa.gov/",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q206855",
    "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neil_Gehrels_Swift_Observatory"
  ],
  "additionalType": "SpaceTelescope"
}

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/explorer_swift.htm)
2. [Source](http://spacenews.com/nasa-renames-swift-mission-after-astronomer-neil-gehrels/)
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. Jonathan's Space Report
5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
6. [Source](https://www.space.com/space-exploration/missions/private-spacecraft-will-give-nasas-swift-space-telescope-an-orbital-boost-in-2026-in-1st-of-its-kind-mission)
7. [Source](https://www.katalystspace.com/post/katalyst-selects-northrop-grumman-pegasus-rocket-for-robotic-rescue-mission)
8. Library of Congress Name Authority File
9. [OpenAlex](https://docs.openalex.org/download-snapshot/snapshot-data-format)