NASA's NEOWISE Ends Mission with Fiery Re-Entry, Legacy Lives On

NASA's Near-Earth Object Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (NEOWISE) telescope has concluded its mission by burning up in Earth's atmosphere after over a decade of monitoring asteroids and comets. Originally launched as WISE in 2009, the telescope was repurposed in 2013 to focus on planetary defense, identifying 215 near-Earth objects. NEOWISE's end was due to increased solar activity affecting its orbit. Despite its demise, the mission laid the groundwork for future planetary defense efforts, with its successor, NEO Surveyor, planned for launch after 2027.