# Swift rescue mission stalled by reaction wheel failures in orbit

NASA's Swift Observatory has suffered reaction wheel failures, leaving a planned rescue mission in uncertainty. The spacecraft, which detects gamma-ray bursts, may face reduced capability or loss. This matters because Swift is a key tool for studying the most energetic explosions in the universe.

**Importance:** 3/5

## Sources

### Technology
- [Ars Technica](https://arstechnica.com/space/2026/07/reaction-wheel-failures-leave-swift-rescue-mission-spinning-in-orbit/) — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 22:09:00 +0000