NASA's Swift space telescope will burn up in Earth's atmosphere this week.
Swift launched in 2004 to hunt gamma-ray bursts, the biggest explosions in the universe.
Swift found over 2,000 gamma-ray bursts and 1,400 exploding stars. Its data filled 7,000 papers.
Intense solar activity dragged Swift lower than planned. It now orbits under 171 miles up.
NASA hired Katalyst Space. Its robot Link launched in July to push Swift higher.
Link's steering failed. It got no closer than 7 to 9 miles. Link burned up in September.
The US Space Force predicts reentry on or around Friday, November 6. The exact hour is unknown.
Swift weighs about one and a half tons. Almost all of it will vaporize in the sky.
Tungsten pieces and six heavy reaction wheels could reach the ground, says NASA.
Africa, Australia, India, Southeast Asia and South America are also under the path.
Swift leaves a 12-terabyte archive. Scientists will mine it for decades to come.
Read the full explainer: what falls, what survives, and where it lands.
Get the full breakdown, key numbers, and what happens next.
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