NASA's Swift Observatory burns up over Indonesia after 22 years in orbit
NASA's Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory re-entered Earth's atmosphere over North Sumatra, Indonesia on November 4, 2026 at approximately 8:39 p.m. Singapore time, creating a bright fireball visible across Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia. The spacecraft, which spent nearly 22 years in space studying cosmic explosions, was confirmed by NASA to be the source of the sighting after initial reports from residents and social media suggested it was a meteor.
✓ Verified
- ✓NASA's Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory re-entered Earth's atmosphere over North Sumatra, Indonesia on November 4, 2026. (CNA, NASA confirmation via multiple outlets)
- ✓The re-entry occurred at approximately 8:39 p.m. Singapore time. (CNA/NASA)
- ✓The fireball was visible across Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia. (CNA)
- ✓The spacecraft spent nearly 22 years in space. (CNA)
- ✓The observatory was used to study powerful cosmic explosions. (CNA)
- ✓Initial social media reports mistook the event for a meteor. (CNA)
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