NASA's Swift satellite is a first-of-its-kind multi-wavelength observatory dedicated to the study of gamma-ray burst science.
Its three instruments work together to observe these bursts and afterglows in the gamma ray. X-ray. ultraviolet. and optical wavebands.
Commentator: "3... 2... 1... we have ignition and we have liftoff of NASA's SWIFT spacecraft on a mission to study and
understand gamma ray bursts throughout the universe."
The Swift spacecraft lifted off aboard a Boeing Delta II rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Florida. at 12:16 p.m. EST.
The multistage Delta II rocket is powered by a single main engine and a variable number of strap-on external motors.
Gamma-ray bursts. or GRBs. are one of the universe's most elusive phenomena. occurring nearly daily from random locations across the sky.
Scientists suspect the bursts maybe be produced by the birth of black holes or the death of stars. but no one knows for sure.
To find out. scientists need an agile spacecraft with powerful telescopes and quick reflexes
to capture GRBs as they flash and leave a lingering afterglow.
Swift is that spacecraft. and has returned invaluable information during its mission.
In fact. the latest data has helped astronomers solve a decades-long mystery about why a small percentage of black
holes emit vast amounts of energy. The new findings confirm that black holes "light up" when galaxies collide.
and the data may offer insight into the future behavior of the black hole in our own Milky Way galaxy.