Swift

NASA renamed the Swift Gamma-Ray Burst Explorer in 2018 to honor its late principal investigator, Neil Gehrels. Gehrels was a highly influential astrophysicist who played a crucial role in the mission's design and execution. The observatory continues to detect and observe gamma-ray bursts under his namesake.

The spacecraft is equipped with three coordinated instruments designed to monitor different wavelengths: the Burst Alert Telescope (BAT), the X-Ray Telescope (XRT), and the Ultraviolet/Optical Telescope (UVOT). These tools work together to rapidly capture data across the electromagnetic spectrum. This setup allows scientists to observe the afterglow of gamma-ray bursts.

The Swift space telescope was successfully launched by NASA in 2004. It was specifically designed to rapidly detect and observe transient astronomical events like gamma-ray bursts. The launch marked a significant milestone in multi-wavelength time-domain astronomy.

The satellite uses its Burst Alert Telescope (BAT) to continuously monitor the sky for sudden spikes in gamma-ray radiation. Once a burst is detected, the spacecraft can autonomously reorient itself within seconds to point its X-ray and optical telescopes at the event. This rapid slewing capability allows astronomers to capture critical early data.