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 NASA's Swift satellite is a first-of-its-kind multi-wavelength observatory dedicated to the study of gamma-ray burst science. 

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 Its three instruments work together to observe these bursts and afterglows in the gamma ray. X-ray. ultraviolet. and optical wavebands. 

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 Commentator: "3... 2... 1... we have ignition and we have liftoff of NASA's SWIFT spacecraft on a mission to study and 

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 understand gamma ray bursts throughout the universe." 

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 The Swift spacecraft lifted off aboard a Boeing Delta II rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Florida. at 12:16 p.m. EST. 

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 The multistage Delta II rocket is powered by a single main engine and a variable number of strap-on external motors. 

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 Gamma-ray bursts. or GRBs. are one of the universe's most elusive phenomena. occurring nearly daily from random locations across the sky. 

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 Scientists suspect the bursts maybe be produced by the birth of black holes or the death of stars. but no one knows for sure. 

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 To find out. scientists need an agile spacecraft with powerful telescopes and quick reflexes 

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 to capture GRBs as they flash and leave a lingering afterglow. 

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 Swift is that spacecraft. and has returned invaluable information during its mission. 

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 In fact. the latest data has helped astronomers solve a decades-long mystery about why a small percentage of black 

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 holes emit vast amounts of energy. The new findings confirm that black holes "light up" when galaxies collide. 

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 and the data may offer insight into the future behavior of the black hole in our own Milky Way galaxy. 

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